Delta, BC, June 21, 2008

Premier Gordon Campbell honoured the Delta Farmer's Institute (DFI) yesterday evening with a Century Farm Award to recognize its century of dedication to farming in Delta.

"As our province celebrates its first 150 years, we are also celebrating the enduring history of farming in this region," said Premier Campbell. "I want to congratulate the Delta Farmer's Institute and its president, former agriculture minister John Savage, on receiving this award. It's fitting that we are able to present it here at Roddick Farm, home of MLA for Delta South and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Planning Val Roddick, who has been and will continue to be a strong supporter of B.C. agriculture."

Century Farm Awards are designed to honour pioneers whose farms or ranches have been in the family for 100 years or more. The program was recently expanded to recognize institutes and associations that have been active for 100 years. Each Century Farm Award celebrates the resiliency of B.C. farmers and the economic strength and diversity of the industry. The Delta Farmers' Institute was established in 1898 to share common interests and goals of Delta farmers. This vibrant organization continues to be the voice of agriculture for its 80-plus members today.

The Century Farm Award is an important part of the ministry's Agriculture Plan, acting as a reminder of our past and guide for future farming success. The award also helps promote awareness of the importance of food production, bridges the urban/rural divide and generates interest in farming careers.

"As the Agriculture Plan states, we are strongly supportive of planning for the next generation of farm families," said Roddick. "The Century Farm Awards showcase just how highly we value those who produce our food, and we want more youth in B.C. to look at the rewarding career of farming as a viable option."

"We are proud to have been in operation for over 100 years, and we are honoured to be recognized with a Century Farm Award," said DFI president John Savage. "I'm glad to see that the ministry understands the value of organizations such as ours to the agricultural industry."

For more information on the Century Farm Award program, contact your local Ministry of Agriculture and Lands office or visit www.agf.gov.bc.ca/regional/CenturyFarmAwards/CenturyFarms.