'Tis the Season To Buy Local

What better way to taste and toast this holiday season than with delicious Nova Scotia foods.

Farms and farmers' markets are a great source for ingredients, gifts and stocking stuffers such as preserves made with local fruits and berries, sparkling and ice wines, handmade chocolates and candies and maple and honey products.

"We should take pride in the variety of locally grown products available in the winter months," said John MacDonell, Minister of Agriculture. "Making a pledge to buy local supports our farm families and helps build a strong rural economy by ensuring a wide variety of quality local products are available year-round."

Nova Scotians visiting farms and farmers' markets, attending a holiday festival or event in communities across the province or visiting a winery or brewery shop will find quality and unique foods and gift ideas.

"Buying local during the Christmas season is easy to do with the variety of local products available at places such as Farmers' Markets," said Kelly Marie Redcliffe, manager of the Wolfville Farmers' Market. "Shopping local becomes part of the celebration. It's a gift you get to give to yourself, your community and the people you are sharing the season with."

Seasonal ingredients including apples, cranberries, mushrooms, root vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood and cheeses can be paired with Nova Scotia wines and beers to make a delicious and nutritious menu.

"Making a pledge to buy local products is just one way to help create family memories this holiday season," said Mr. MacDonell.

Families searching for the perfect Christmas tree can find fresh cut, locally grown trees at many retail and U-Cut lots across the province. Watch for the Select Nova Scotia logo at tree lots to assure a fresh tree grown in the province.

"There's nothing better than a fresh tree grown by one of the province's 2500 Christmas tree growers," said Mr. MacDonell, who is also Natural Resources Minister. "Families in other provinces and around the world enjoy our fragrant, balsam fir Christmas trees each year and I encourage Nova Scotians to support our local tree growers by doing the same."

Consumers can find more information on where to buy local products, events and attractions offered by local producers and seasonal recipes on Select Nova Scotia's website at www.selectnovascotia.ca .