Eat Local, Op Ed

NOTE: The following is an Op-ed piece by Agriculture Minister John MacDonell.

There's something special about food grown in our own backyard or on a nearby farm that connects us with nature, our history, and each other in a way few things can.

Food, next to water, is our most basic biological need. Our lives depend on access to safe, healthy foods, which is why food safety and security have become such important issues globally.

By supporting our local farmers and food producers, we can help our agricultural industry and ensure a safe and secure food supply for future generations of Nova Scotians. Innovative farmers and fishermen producing quality meat, fish and produce through environmentally sustainable farming and fishing practices need supportive government policies and a commitment of Nova Scotians to buy excellent products, at a fair price. Recognizing the health, social and economic benefits of buying and eating locally produced food will help that process.

Select Nova Scotia was developed in 2007 to help Nova Scotians understand the benefits of buying locally produced foods, and to help them find locally produced foods as well as exciting year-round agri-tourism experiences for the whole family.

The "buy local" concept is becoming more popular. Events like the recent Eat Atlantic Challenge, our annual Open Farm Day, Get Close to Your Food farm tours for chefs, and farmers' markets throughout the province, have allowed more Nova Scotians to see where and how local foods are produced.

In September, I had the pleasure of participating in the Eat Atlantic Challenge, sponsored by Co-op Atlantic. For one day, Atlantic Canadians were challenged to eat only foods produced in Atlantic Canada. More than 4,300 people registered, including more than 2,000 Nova Scotians. Hopefully many of those who participated are continuing to choose local foods throughout the year.

Nova Scotians are working together to build a stronger food system for the province. Recently, the first Nova Scotia Food Summit was held in Greenwich, Kings Co., providing a better understanding of what is needed to improve the system.

There are many benefits to buying local foods: it is fresher and tastier, it is better for the environment, and it supports your local economy by keeping dollars in the local area.

The economic benefits of selecting Nova Scotia-grown food is also significant for farmers and rural communities and our provincial economy. According to a 2007 Nova Scotia agriculture report, the agri-food industry contributed $894 million to provincial GDP in 2006-07 and supported about 7,200 full-time jobs.

There are also many social benefits to buying local. Farmers' markets are almost as much about community building as they are about buying great local food. Many families are discovering opportunities to relive childhood memories and make some new ones through excellent agri-tourism experiences. Fall is a popular time for Nova Scotian families to visit u-pick farms for apples, pumpkins and other produce, which often includes other fun activities like corn mazes and wagon rides.

Government will continue to work with farmers and the agricultural and retail industries to market local foods to Nova Scotians. As demand for local products grows, Nova Scotians will insist on more local choices in retail grocery stores and restaurants, and stores and restaurants will continue to develop relationships with farmers and other local producers.

Food, with all of its health, social and economic benefits, plays a large part in that growth, so I encourage you to enjoy the best tasting, healthiest food, while supporting our local farms and businesses.