Post by Michele on Aug 3, 2009 21:04:33 GMT -5
Buy local movement may be here to stay
Posted By PAUL MORDEN, THE OBSERVER
Posted 2 days ago
The movement to buy locally grown food is gaining ground, says Jennifer Haley.
She's the executive director of the Ontario Veal Association and chairperson of Homegrown Ontario, a partnership of meat producers and independent processors.
"A lot of people are saying it's not just a fad or a trend," Haley said. " It 's really here to stay."
Canadians are thinking more about their food these days, Haley said.
"We're more aware of where it comes from, what production methods were used . . . the environmental impact of it being brought to the table from the far reaches of the globe."
At the same time, she said, research shows Ontario residents "really value the agriculture industry and they really want to be able to support their local farmer."
She said that when consumers can be assured food is in fact local, "they would prefer that over something that was imported."
What consumers often don't think about is the economic ripple buying local food has beyond farmers, she said.
Buying Ontario food, instead of imports, also creates work for the province's food processors, retailers and others, she said.
"That has a huge economic impact on the big picture."
Haley said she believes many consumers are trying to reconnect with their roots when it comes to the food they eat.
There was a time not too long ago when most Canadians had a closer connection to where food came from.
"I remember my parents telling me that everybody had a garden, and everybody canned and everybody would buy their meat from somebody they knew," she said.
But, that all began to change as life became more urban, families became busier and convenience became a sought after commodity.
In recent years, food safety scares, growing concern for the environment and a large number of books questioning the modern approach to food have been having an impact.
It has been changing the way some people think about food, and sending more of them searching for local sources.
"It's not for everybody but there is a good chunk of people out there who want to reconnect," Haley said.
"What farmers are looking for is a way to gain market share and a way to displace imports," she said.
"They're looking at sustain-ability and viability for that family farm that dots our landscape in Ontario."
- - -
'Buy Local' driving tour
The groups behind the Locally Lambton Farm Guide have organized a one-day driving tour of north Lambton for anyone interested in the "buy local" food movement.
On Aug. 23, from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m., the public's invited to travel around to eight stops, including maple syrup producers, fruit and vegetable farms, a flower and tree nursery, an apply winery, meat producers and a dairy farm.
There's no charge for the tour, but visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable food donation for the local foodbanks.
Check the website www.lfawebsite.cafor details, and to download a map.
www.theobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1682770
Posted By PAUL MORDEN, THE OBSERVER
Posted 2 days ago
The movement to buy locally grown food is gaining ground, says Jennifer Haley.
She's the executive director of the Ontario Veal Association and chairperson of Homegrown Ontario, a partnership of meat producers and independent processors.
"A lot of people are saying it's not just a fad or a trend," Haley said. " It 's really here to stay."
Canadians are thinking more about their food these days, Haley said.
"We're more aware of where it comes from, what production methods were used . . . the environmental impact of it being brought to the table from the far reaches of the globe."
At the same time, she said, research shows Ontario residents "really value the agriculture industry and they really want to be able to support their local farmer."
She said that when consumers can be assured food is in fact local, "they would prefer that over something that was imported."
What consumers often don't think about is the economic ripple buying local food has beyond farmers, she said.
Buying Ontario food, instead of imports, also creates work for the province's food processors, retailers and others, she said.
"That has a huge economic impact on the big picture."
Haley said she believes many consumers are trying to reconnect with their roots when it comes to the food they eat.
There was a time not too long ago when most Canadians had a closer connection to where food came from.
"I remember my parents telling me that everybody had a garden, and everybody canned and everybody would buy their meat from somebody they knew," she said.
But, that all began to change as life became more urban, families became busier and convenience became a sought after commodity.
In recent years, food safety scares, growing concern for the environment and a large number of books questioning the modern approach to food have been having an impact.
It has been changing the way some people think about food, and sending more of them searching for local sources.
"It's not for everybody but there is a good chunk of people out there who want to reconnect," Haley said.
"What farmers are looking for is a way to gain market share and a way to displace imports," she said.
"They're looking at sustain-ability and viability for that family farm that dots our landscape in Ontario."
- - -
'Buy Local' driving tour
The groups behind the Locally Lambton Farm Guide have organized a one-day driving tour of north Lambton for anyone interested in the "buy local" food movement.
On Aug. 23, from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m., the public's invited to travel around to eight stops, including maple syrup producers, fruit and vegetable farms, a flower and tree nursery, an apply winery, meat producers and a dairy farm.
There's no charge for the tour, but visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable food donation for the local foodbanks.
Check the website www.lfawebsite.cafor details, and to download a map.
www.theobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1682770