By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Ontario PC’s agriculture critic Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman says he is concerned about the proposal to replace Ontario Agriculture Week with Local Food Week. “Suggesting that local food is the same thing is troubling,” said Hardeman.
As it stands, the Local Food Act would change Ontario Agriculture Week to Local Food Week, which is something Hardeman and his PC colleagues are advocating strongly against. “Farmers are very important to our society… we can’t forget about the people who make local food possible,” explains Hardeman. Committee hearings for the Local Food Act begin Tuesday.
Hardeman said the PCs plan to put forward an amendment to change the date of Local Food Week, noting that he likes the idea of celebrating local food, but not at the expense of forgetting to recognize those who produce it. “It’s about celebrating what farmers specifically contribute to our economy…they are one of the largest job creators in the province,” argues Hardeman. “My first inclination is to propose that Local Food Week be held at a time when the most local food is available, which is August.”
In addition to pushing to change the date of Local Food Week, Hardeman also wants to see food literacy be added to the school curriculum. “The first solution to encouraging local food is through education…including the benefits of eating local food,” said Hardeman. It’s unclear if this proposed amendment will garner enough support as the details haven’t been drafted yet.
When asked about how he would be celebrating the commemorative week, “I will be at work; I also plan on eating as much local food as possible,” Hardeman said with a chuckle.