B.C. cheesemakers are forming a new association to help boost a developing and expanding local industry.

The B.C. government announced in a news release today (March 15) that the B.C. Artisan Cheese Association (BCACA) has formed during their first annual general meeting in Vernon, B.C. The association will represent artisan cheesemakers across the province, which currently include 25 producers, as well as others involved in the cheesemaking process.

The meeting, supported by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, involves representatives from the B.C. Dairy Foundation, the B.C. Milk Marketing Board, and other related organizations.

Founding members of the association are BCACA chair Emma Davison of Maple Ridge’s Golden Ears Cheesecrafters, director and treasurer Jason Dykstra of Abbotsford’s Mt. Lehman Cheese Company, and vice-chair and secretary Raymound Gourlay of Parksville’s Little Qualicum Cheeseworks.

The association will facilitate knowledge sharing and networking with other British Columbians, as well as educating consumers about locally produced cheese.