COURTENAY - Joyce Murray, Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection and Bill Turner, executive director of the Land Conservancy, today announced a government donation of $60,000 to the Land Conservancy"s Conservation Partners Program, which promotes environmental conservation on agricultural land.

The announcement was made at Beaver Meadow Farms in Courtenay, the first Vancouver Island farm to join the Conservation Partners Program. Beaver Meadow farmers Edgar, Phillip and Doug Smith use a natural approach, running the whole farm with environmental conservation as a priority.

"There are a number of farmers who work to protect green space and habitat on their land, and today"s funding helps recognize their efforts," said Murray. "The Conservation Partners Program is a great example of partnership in action, between government, conservation groups and business."

"Our intention is to conserve and enhance this landscape so it maintains its natural function and supports the local wildlife and our farm," said Edgar Smith. "Our vision is to nurture this biodiversity of our lands and waters by creating grasslands interspersed with stream and forest habitat amongst our farm activities."

The Conservation Partners Program recognizes B.C. farmers who have set aside wildlife habitat and green space on their land, identifying their products with the distinctive sticker ­ a blue-and-white label featuring a viceroy butterfly. By purchasing Conservation Partners products, consumers support growers who are protecting ecologically valuable land.

Conservation Partner products are sold in Thrifty Foods stores on Vancouver Island, Capers Community Markets in Vancouver, and other local food markets. The Land Conservancy of BC is a charitable membership-based land trust that protects natural areas. Additional information can be found at www.conservancy.bc.ca

"We are very pleased by the support that the Government of B.C. has shown for the Conservation Partners Program," said Bill Turner, executive director of the Land Conservancy. "This funding supports farmers who are taking responsibility, and doing their part to preserve our beautiful province for future generations."  

Contact:

Liz Bicknell
Communications Director
Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection
250 387-9973