Ouellette promotes local agri-food products

Published Wednesday July 23rd, 2008

As part of a series of on-farm media events to draw attention to the high-quality, nutritious food grown in New Brunswick, Agriculture and Aquaculture Minister Ronald Ouellette was at Michaud Farm in Baie-de-Bouctouche last week.

"This event has been organized to encourage consumers to buy local agri-food, while helping the agriculture sector to be profitable in the province and strengthening the local economy," Ouellette said. "I call on New Brunswickers to choose local products this season, whether it be at farmers' markets, U-picks, in restaurants or at retail stores."

The event included a tour of the farm operation, demonstrations and refreshments featuring local products.

Michaud Farm is a horticultural operation that produces mixed vegetables, strawberries and raspberries. It is a third-generation family farm, and is owned by the families of cousins Marc and Benoit Michaud.

Michaud Farm is one of several agricultural operations in the province that participated in the New Brunswick Agri-Food Market Development Program last year. The program aims to increase the sale and consumption of local agri-food products through marketing initiatives such as signage, promotion, agri-tourism and new product development.

"All projects approved under the Agri-Food Market Development Program are cost-shared between the government and the applicants," Ouellette said. "Producers have invested a significant amount of money to increase their marketing capacity, and they should be commended for their efforts."

A total of $210,000 is committed to this year's program. Last year, it contributed in excess of $150,000 towards a total of 81 domestic-market-development projects, representing over $600,000 in marketing upgrades.

For more information on the New Brunswick Agri-Food Market Development Program, visit the Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture website.

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It is with great pleasure and interest that I read this article. I have been reading more and more about Canadians taking a greater interest (and pride) in pro-actively buying local and buying Canadian-made goods. There is certainly a grassroots movement happening, no doubt fueled by recent recalls on imported goods and produce, concern for the environment and our livelihoods, carbon footprints and now the price of oil and therefore prices in general.

Late last year Angus Reid Strategies conducted a poll on this very subject. It revealed that "43% of Canadian are trying to buy more products made in Canada" and that "51% are paying more attention to labels". The problem they have is finding those products.

In a couple of weeks our company will be launching a new website which will showcase only Canadian-made consumer goods, in all segments of the industry. We are looking for made in Canada products to list on the site. Do you make any? Visit www.buycanadianfirst.ca for details.