Support BC produce amid wildfire challenges: Province

Aug 17, 2026 | 4:30 PM

“You don’t have to be in Summerland to stand with Summerland.”

Those are the words of Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food, in calling on residents to buy B.C. products to help farmers in communities suffering from wildfires:

She said when grocery shopping, we can look for locally grown fruit, produce and food products, and when going out for dinner, ask for a Summerland or Okanagan wine, cider, beer or spirit.

Popham said if we are visiting a private liquor store, grocery store or BC Liquor store, we can look for products from the affected region.

Every local purchase helps keep British Columbians working, supports farmers and producers, strengthens local communities and, especially right now in places like Summerland, helps businesses continue operating and supports their recovery.

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“As families, workers and small businesses in Summerland and across the Okanagan continue to respond to and recover from wildfires and evacuations, British Columbians have a simple way to show their support for affected farmers: Look for local and to Buy BC.” Popham said in a media release Monday.

“Summerland and the Okanagan are home to farms, orchards, food producers, as well as wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries, that support thousands of jobs and contribute enormously to the economic and social fabric of their communities.

“Many of these businesses have faced evacuations, road closures, smoke, disrupted operations and lost business during one of the most important periods of their year.”

by Vernon Matters staff

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