It makes sense to buy local
It makes good sense to buy local food.
Not only are you getting fresh, great tasting products, but you are also supporting your local farmers and the economy.
I have to admit, it's hard to resist a roadside farmer's market with stands filled with juicy strawberries, peaches and cream corn, an assortment of fresh vegetables and even local cheese.
According to a new survey, Canadians are choosing to buy local because the food is fresh and tastes better, and it supports the local economy (97 per cent); it supports local farmers (96 per cent); it creates local jobs (93 per cent); it's better for the environment (88 per cent); it gives you the chance to purchase organic produce (76 per cent); and, it's cheaper (71 per cent).
Just smell the strawberries from a local farmer's market and compare with the store-bought package. The local farm strawberries are sweet and fragrant.
We often go strawberry picking at a local farm and the berries are far fresher and tastier than those packaged products imported from other countries.
David Rinneard, Director, Agriculture and Agribusiness, BMO Bank of Montreal, says, "We've seen from doing this study the last three years that Canadians are unwavering in their support for local farmers. An overwhelming majority have told us that they recognize the important contribution of agriculture producers to local economy and creating jobs.
"Canada's agriculture industry is a major driver in Canada's economy. We will continue to work with our clients in the sector to find new ways to increase productivity and remain globally competitive."
The agriculture and agri-food industry contributes $100 billion annually to Canada's GDP.
Canada is the fifth largest agricultural exporter in the world, and the industry employs approximately 2.1 million Canadians (that's one in eight jobs).
And what about maple syrup -- our Canadian stereotype? Well there might be a reason why people think that Canada and maple syrup go hand-in-hand when we produce 85 per cent of the world's maple syrup products.
And maybe you remember the great Canadian maple syrup heist last year in Quebec. Thieves made off with $18 million in maple syrup and later found themselves in a sticky situation.
Yes, our local products are in high demand.
Across the country, people are choosing local products that are unique to their area. For instance, those in British Columbia are purchasing fresh vegetables; Albertans are buying local beef; in Quebec, cheese; Ontarians are selecting wine from local wineries; and in the Atlantic Provinces they are choosing fresh fish catches.
The locovore movement is in full swing, especially in the summer months, where roadside farmer's markets are springing to life across the nation.
By Donna Donaldson, MSN Money
Do you buy local produce? What is it that appeals to you about locally grown products?
Posted by: Kent | Jul 7, 2021 12:05:31 PM
I like the idea of buying local but in reality it is not that easy. Sure you can get local vegetables during the Summer and dairy anytime but there are few places in Canada (other than say BC) where you can buy local made wine, vegetables, corn, cherries, dairy, poultry, seafood, corn etc. for most of the year. Most Canadians can buy a small portion of stuff grown locally but 95% of us live in provinces where it is not possible to truly buy local for everything for most of the year.
Posted by: A | Jul 7, 2021 11:31:34 PM
Kent, give ANIMAL VEGETABLE MIRACLE a read. The author is Barbara Kingsolver. It'll fill in all the questions and roadblocks you're finding. Regarding the article *the Locavores are finally becoming large in number!!! Not only are people buying local but backyard gardens are everywhere. Kingston, Ontario has approval for Backyard hens as does Niagara Falls Ontario, Vancouver B.C, and a portion of Montreal Quebec. Either you can grow things yourself or have hens of your own OR buy from Farmers a short distance away. We even buy our milk from a small family farm that my children have personally walked among the 30 cows that supply their milk. It can even be delivered via milk truck. It's in glass bottles! This is becoming the norm for a larger and larger portion of Canadians who refuse sub par food and I'm proud to be one of them!