Ag centre takes next step
Chantelle Deacon - Aug 16, 2017 - Biz Releases

Image: Getty Images

The District of Summerland is contributing $15,000 towards the development of a business plan for an Okanagan Agriculture Innovation Centre.

The proposed centre would be designed for agriculture and agri-tech industries, providing assistance for young businesses and entrepreneurs who hope to boost their products.

The $15,000 will go to the Chamber of Commerce to help pay for a professional business plan, priced at $50,000. At Monday’s council meeting, all members appeared to be on board.

“We are participating, we’ve already supplied some funds towards this initiative and we are contributing more so that we can participate up to the $50,000 required to move ahead,” Mayor Peter Waterman said.

A recent feasibility study showed that over 90 per cent of people surveyed in Summerland believed the agriculture innovation centre would be beneficial for the community.

“To take the next step for the agriculture innovation centre, we provided $7,300 for the feasibility study,” said Chief Administrative Officer Linda Tynan. “Since then, the feasibility study has been complete and the province is very interested in exploring this further and looking at a business plan and has agreed to contribute $25,000,”

“The City of Penticton has also agreed, and Community Futures has also agreed,” she added.

Each will chip-in $5,000.

Council overwhelmingly felt that with the contribution, the District should be involved in developing the business plan.

“I think it is acceptable to ask that the district be involved right from the business plan phase because if this does go ahead we would expect to have the same, if not more, participation on the next phase of this project,” Councillor Erin Carlson said. “I think it is better to work together.”


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