Buy local, buy domestic

By Ken Boshcoff
MP T.Bay-RR

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Canada’s largest farmers’ organization, recently unveiled the results of a cross-country study that shows Canadian consumers would support a labeling program that identifies and promoted Canadian-grown foods in markets and on grocery store shelves.
Some highlights of the study included:
- 90 percent of respondents felt that Canadian agricultural products should always be easy to identify at the store; and,
- 73 percent of respondents were willing to pay more of a premium if they knew the premium would go to Canadian farmers.
Moving forward from the study, the CFA hopes to undertake pilot labeling studies and seek out partners to further this labeling concept with the goal of improving communications between farmers and consumers, and providing safe, quality foods to Canadians.

I am very pleased to see the CFA moving this initiative forward. At this time it is very hard for consumers to know where the food they are buying is coming from. Are those fresh tomatoes from Mexico or Murillo? Did this rib eye steak come from a cattle producer in Texas or Rainy River? In most cases, unless the retailer takes the initiative to put up a sign that indicates the origin of the product, consumers are left to guess where it has come from.
As consumers, we must take the initiative to ask our local grocers about the source of the food items they are showcasing. Further still, we must encourage them to support local and domestic suppliers instead of foreign suppliers. We need to put our money where our mouth is and purchase local and domestic products in lieu of the multinationals. I for one much prefer a loaf of homemade bread from the bakery on the corner when compared with a loaf of bread that has been trucked from Indianapolis.
Continuing on that same thought, I encourage residents across the riding to consider their choice of retailer. Although I am not opposed to multinational retailers, as I recognize that they provide employment opportunities in our communities, I ask you to consider the value of the local and Canadian retailers in your area. Wouldn’t you rather support your neighbourhood grocer instead of giving your hard earned dollar to an American owned super-store? In order to ensure the strength of our national economy, we must consider the impact of our purchasing activities in the bigger picture.