Chef Ned Bell Buy BC’s Chef Ambassador

Chef Ned Bell Appointed Buy BC Chef Ambassador
Bell brings his passion to long-running provincial program

Buy BC announces a delicious partnership with locavore Ned Bell as the program’s new “Chef Ambassador.” The award-winning chef is a champion for local, seasonal, and sustainable foods, farmers and fishers, and he delights in sharing simple ways to cook and eat the best of our province.

The author of Lure: Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the West Coast, and Partner, General Manager and Executive Chef of Naramata Inn, Bell has long inspired people to think bigger about ingredients harvested from the land and waterways of B.C. and to make conscious choices that lead to better outcomes for both the food cycle and the environment.

“When we buy local ingredients and products we celebrate nutritious meals grown in our own backyard, and support local farmers and producers, communities and the environment at the same time,” said Bell. “Food grown and raised in B.C. is picked at peak freshness. That means shorter travel time from farms to tables, which in turn creates fresher and tastier food and a reduced carbon footprint, all while maintaining farmland and green space in communities.”

First launched in the ‘90s, Buy BC makes it easy for consumers to identify local ingredients and products by the presence of the Buy BC logo. The program was re-established by the provincial government in 2018 and is led by Minister of Agriculture and Food, Lana Popham. “Buying B.C. food and beverages strengthens our provincial food system and keeps people and the economy working,” said Popham. “Ned’s steadfast commitment to supporting local food, and his ability to inspire, excite, and connect make this partnership a perfect pairing.”

As Chef Ambassador, Bell is excited to work alongside the Buy BC team to promote the importance of buying local to consumers; to support ongoing farmer, producer and chef relations; and to act as a hyper-local Buy BC advocate for all members in the province.

He launched his new role alongside Minister Popham on the opening day of this year’s PNE, cooking beautiful Wild BC Salmon, garden-fresh B.C. herbs and ripe and juicy peaches on the Safeway cooking stage.
(Find the Wild BC Salmon with Green Goddess recipe here.)

Next up, Bell will appear at upcoming Ministry led events connecting chefs, farmers and food producers, to share stories and innovations, and highlight food products produced in B.C.

Get information about Buy BC, including details on how to become a partner, at buybc.gov.bc.ca, and connect socially on Facebook and Instagram @eatdrinkbuybc.

Learn more about Chef Ned Bell at nedbell.com., and follow him on Facebook and Instagram @nedbell..

About Ned Bell:
Ned Bell is a well-known Canadian culinary talent who has forged a path as a chef advocate, keynote speaker and educator. Currently an operating partner, GM and Executive Chef at the Okanagan’s Naramata Inn, Ned uses his voice, outgoing personality and indomitable spirit to stand up for the world’s lakes, oceans, rivers, and sustainable farming practices. In 2014, he founded Chefs for Oceans to raise awareness and advocate for responsible seafood choices and launched his commitment with an 8,700-kilometre bike ride across Canada. He continues to earn recognition for his ability to influence consumers, industry, media and government on this crucial environmental issue and is a sought-after speaker and change-maker. There’s nothing he loves more than uniting and collaborating with other chefs, fishermen, farmers and influencers across the globe. Learn more at nedbell.com..

About Buy BC:
B.C.’s food and beverage products are renowned for their diversity, freshness and exceptional quality. Buy BC was created to help British Columbians select fresh-tasting, high-quality products that are grown, raised, and processed locally in communities across the province. Buy BC promotes a wide range of food and beverage products. The Buy BC program, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, serves to promote B.C. food and beverages to ensure consumers can easily identify and enjoy local food products, while supporting farmers and businesses throughout B.C.

Media release and images provided by Krista Lochhead, Hatch Hospitality.