Local Food Support Highest in Ontario, Quebec
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Ontario and Quebec seem to be leading the way on supporting local food, a new report has found. The Conference Board of Canada released a report Tuesday which said that local food sales garnered the greatest impact in Quebec and Ontario. Research was conducted to find out how local food is defined, consumed, produced and processed across the country.
Research found that about 20 percent of food is consumed within the same province which it is produced. The province of Quebec is the highest for total food production represented in dollar value – 29 percent.
Key highlights of the report include:
• Interest in local food is being driven by factors such as – quality, health and nutrition, food safety, environment and supporting local farmers and economies
• The majority of local food in the country is sold through large retail and grocery chain stores
• Local food systems have economic benefits especially for smaller producers, retailers and niche markets
• “Non-local food” plays a pivotal role in the food system and benefits global trade
The report offers a number of recommendations of ways to support local food, including government support for marketing and labeling initiatives.