Dear Industry Stakeholder,
The BC Ministry of Agriculture (“The Ministry”) in collaboration with the University of British Columbia (“UBC”) and industry partners, are in the process of developing a Food Hub Network, consisting of a Core Food Innovation Centre at UBC (“Core Innovation Centre”), as well as multiple regional centres (“Food Hub Nodes”) across British Columbia. The Core Innovation Centre will have a strong research and development focus, while the Food Hub Nodes will consist of regionally-tailored innovation or processing resources, equipment and services. The goal is for the Core Innovation Centre and Food Hub Nodes to facilitate access to processing facilities, equipment, technology, research and development, knowledge-sharing and innovation-related services for those involved or wanting to be involved in food and beverage processing or value-added activities across the province.
To guide the development of the Food Hub Network, the Ministry, UBC and industry partners are conducting a province-wide survey to identify the current needs, challenges and opportunities of BC food and beverage processors and those looking to enter the industry. The Ministry has commissioned MNP LLP (“MNP”), a major accounting, consulting and advisory firm, to conduct the survey.
To complete the survey, you will be asked for information regarding its usage and/or needs of processing facilities and equipment, government support/programs, research and development services, and product commercialization services. The survey will also gather information relating to your organization’s innovation related activities, goals, and obstacles.
Please use the following link to access the survey: Food Hub Survey
If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Chelsea Sutherland, Business Program Analyst, Ministry of Agriculture, at chelsea.sutherland@gov.bc.ca.
What is involved with this survey?
The survey is comprehensive and will ask for detailed information. As a result, it will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. This level of detail is important to enable the successful development of the Food Hub Network.
To ensure your response is included, please complete the survey by December 7, 2018.
If you have questions or difficulties regarding the survey tool, please contact Andre Gailits of MNP, at andre.gailits@mnp.ca or by phone at 778.374.2129.
What about confidentiality?
MNP will maintain the confidentiality of all collected information. Individual responses will not be shared with any other party, and will not be made available to other organizations such as the BC Ministry of Agriculture. The results will be reported in a summary format, with any identifying information of the respondent removed.
Thank you in advance for your participation in this important survey!
