Local Ontario Meat Industry News

June 28, 2010 > Locavore News — Canada, Plumbline by Elbert van Donkersgoed,

Top wedding trends 2010; Once an afterthought, local produce and wines are becoming de rigueur for receptions, says Chris Alward of Local Food Plus, which certifies farmers and processors across Canada. “It's a trend that's definitely on the rise.” The eco-chic ethos is also being applied to boutonnieres, which these days incorporate everything from pesticide-free flowers to recycled road maps. “There's more environmental awareness among today's brides and grooms than in the past,” observes Lisa Rutland, whose green catering business, Toronto-based Sequel Event Planning (www.sequel.ca), is 50 per cent busier than last season, she says. Globe and Mail story.

New Book Explores How, Why Food Shapes the World ; Well-meant initiatives such as Barack Obama's Feed the Future and "buy local" efforts will not end the world's food crisis, according to a University of Guelph professor. For example, Fraser says the U.S. president’s plan and others focus on struggling countries' reliance on crop specialization and exportation. “It’s a dangerous strategy,” he said, adding that overspecialization damages land, producing less bountiful harvests. University of Guelph news release.

Michaelle Jean honours Canadian cuisine; Chefs, restaurateurs, scientists and other advocates of Canadian food and drink were honoured yesterday by Governor-General Michaelle Jean as she handed out the first Governor General's Award in Celebration of the Nation's Table during a black-tie affair at Rideau Hall. Founded by her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, the awards recognize outstanding efforts to improve the quality, variety and sustainability of distinctly Canadian food, wine and the ingredients that go into them. "It's not only a celebration of gastronomy and the art of food, it's also important to celebrate the right to food," Mr. Lafond said. Considered a legacy project by the couple whose time at Rideau Hall comes to an end in the fall, the award has been in the making since 2006. Among the winners were restaurateurs and celebrity chefs Jamie Kennedy and Michael Stadtlander, who received the prize for their leadership in the industry. National Post story.

Michael Stadtländer and Jamie Kennedy walk away with new Governor General’s Cuisine Awards ; The Governor General’s Awards, heretofore known for honouring the best in Canadian academics and arts, have added a new category to their ranks: cuisine. Yesterday, in an award ceremony at Rideau Hall, celebrity chefs Jamie Kennedy and Michael Stadtländer received a joint distinction for their role as culinary leaders by outgoing GG Michäelle Jean and her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond (the new awards were apparently his idea). Toronto Life story.

Setting the table to beat the ‘good food gap’ ; Government policies across the country dealing with all aspects of food – from production to consumption – are uncoordinated and lack oversight, one expert says, leading to a broken food system in Canada. In her paper, Menu 2020: Ten Good Food Ideas for Ontario, Lauren Baker, an advocate for healthy food and sustainable agriculture, argues that a number of groups affecting or affected by food policy are presently left out of the discussion. And many that are included, she said, often don't communicate with one another. The report is one of five food policy papers released Tuesday by the Metcalf Foundation, which funds research in all areas of community and social services. Globe and Mail story.

Many woes, single cause: dysfunctional food system ; Not one, but two reports released last week pointed out that having disconnected food, farming and health policies have resulted in a food system that isn't working for farmers, consumers, taxpayers or the environment. The Metcalf Foundation, a Ontario-based philanthropic agency formed by the late grocery chain mogul George Cedric Metcalf, issued a series of well-researched and articulate papers under its Food Solutions project, while the Canadian Agricultural Policy Institute (CAPI) issued another in its series promoting the integration of food, farming and health policy. Although focused on Ontario, the Metcalf Foundation's conclusions are nationally relevant. It says we suffer from a "good-food gap." Winnipeg Free Press story.

The economics of fast food ; \Healthy choices, dollar meals, pricey ribs, free wifi and calorie labels fill today's fast food eateries. Analysis by the Economist. Listen.

Are Amish and Mennonite businesses resilient? June 25 ; Bus departs from the rear parking lot of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre (800 Sports Drive in Brussels, Ontario) Friday June 25, 2010 — 10 am to 4 pm. Tickets: $50. Call 519-887-2694 x 200 or e-mail info@greenjobsstrategy.ca to reserve your spot today. Organized by Huron (County) Business Development Corporation. Includes traditional Amish Lunch at St. Helens Hall.

Launch of York Region’s Chinese and South Asian Guides to Fresh Food, June 25 ; York Region Food Network is connecting the Chinese and South Asian communities with local food producers and retailers by launching two culturally-specific Guides to Fresh Food on June 25 at Whittamore’s Farm in Markham (8100 Steeles Avenue East). The launch event opens with a press conference at 11:30, followed by a light lunch at 12:00 provided by The Roving Chef and a wagon ride to Judy’s Tropical Garden, where world foods are grown, at 12:45. Please arrive by 11:15. Park in the main parking lot at Whittamore’s Farm. Proceed to the Hospitality Table located at the front of the Market for directions to the venue. RSVP: kima@yrfn.ca or 905-967-0428 ext. 201 by June 18.

***NEW***Food, Wine & Music under the Stars, June 26 ; The Stop and Hillcrest Village Choir present a unique event in that will delight both food and music lovers alike. Chef Chris Brown will create, in advance, a five-course meal inspired by the choir’s performances. As the meal is served, the choir, under the direction of Musical Director Ben D’Cunha, will sing the piece that accompanies each course--all under the stars in our Green Barn’s beautiful sheltered garden. All proceeds go to The Stop and Hillcrest Village Choir. Details.

Guelph Wellington Local Food Fest, June 27 ; Ignatius Farm and Jesuit Centre will be the site of the 5th annual Guelph Wellington Local Food Fest. Discover local foods available in our region, learn more about agriculture, enjoy a day of inspiration and information, farm-fresh shopping, and entertainment in an idyllic farm setting. “This event is about bringing out the culture of agriculture and building connections between urban and rural neighbours”. More.

100-Mile Feast, June 28 ; The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce will be presenting a 100 Mile Feast featuring celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy. This event is a unique celebration of locally produced food and wine. The event begins with a reception where Jamie will be cooking at a live action station and will be followed by 5 courses of the finest ingredients along with wine pairings to excite your taste senses. Details.
***NEW***Food for Change Dinner Series, July 15 ; The Stop’s acclaimed chef Chris Brown, former Executive Chef of Perigee Restaurant, presents an intimate dining experience in support of The Stop’s innovative programs that fight, hunger, build hope and inspire change. One Thursday each month, Chef Brown prepares a mouthwatering five-course meal featuring local, sustainable food, savoured in the greenhouse of The Stop’s fabulous Green Barn at Christie and St. Clair. And if you want to experience life in a professional kitchen, join the kitchen crew and help prepare the feast.Details.

Third Annual Savour Simcoe – Celebrating of Heritage, Agriculture & Regional Cuisine, August 29 ; Third Annual Savour Simcoe event will take place on Sunday August 29th, 2010 at the Simcoe County Museum (outdoors among the trees and historical buildings) - 1151 Hwy 26, Minesing, ON (just minutes northwest of Barrie). Details

2010 Tour de Greenbelt, September 11, 12, 25 & 26 ; Re-discover the joy of a leisurely bike ride and come explore Ontario's Greenbelt, 1.8 million acres of protected land wrapping around the Golden Horseshoe. Website.

Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival, September 25-26, Stratford ; Renowned Canadian chefs, award-winning food writers, local farmers and artisans, exclusive Ontario VQA wines, craft brews and Stratford’s musical artists invite you to come join them to celebrate glorious food. Wander farmers markets in search of edible treasures, hands-on culinary demonstrations for adults and kids, outdoor musical concerts, street carnivals, theatre and an authentic Perth County BBQ. Continue with more concerts, street carnivals, culinary demonstrations and York Street Tasting with over 30 chefs paired with 30 local producers and VQA wines for an afternoon of sampling and imbibing in tents. It all happens in Stratford’s historic downtown shopping and garden district. Details on the Savour Stratford website.

FlavourFest, October 5 -11 ; Experience the flavours of Norfolk County, where local farmers, growers and chefs come together to promote their produce and culinary skills. There are live cooking shows with celebrity chefs and local talent, meet the Two Fairly Fat Guys, and shop the FlavourFest market to take home products with you. At Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show in Simcoe, ON. Happy Eating!! 1-800-699-9038, website.

Food Secure Canada's Biennial Assembly, November 26 to 28 ; The Assembly will begin with a keynote panel on Friday, November 26, focusing on the 'big picture' around food, energy, and climate change, with a panel of speakers from the 'global South' and Canada. The speakers will unveil the international corporate agenda and discuss the responses from small farmers and social movements against land grabs and the degeneration of agriculture into the production of biomass for whatever industrial purpose is currently convenient. This discussion will be placed in the context of the movement for Food Sovereignty. Initial program outline. Submissions for workshop or other sessions welcome via on-line form.

Greenbelts: Local Solutions for Global Challenges, March 22 to 24, 2011 ; The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation is hosting an International Greenbelts Conference in Toronto, Canada, March 22nd - 24th, 2011. Through the sharing of diverse experience and perspectives, the Conference will spark new ideas about the possibilities that greenbelts offer, and generate new ways of tackling some of the complex challenges in near urban farming, rural vibrancy, and protecting our ecosystems and the numerous benefits they provide. Website.

NOTE: Once a week, Plumbline distributes a newsletter of Locavore News — Events edited by Elbert van Donkersgoed — usually on Friday. During normal weeks, Plumbline distributes two newsletters of Locavore News. Submissions for Locavore Events are welcome at Plumblinehome@terracoeur.ca. Preferred format for submissions is a short descriptive paragraph (50 to 60 words) with a website link for details.

June 21 , 2010 > Locavore News — Ontario

Top of the Food Chain: Tri-Tip ; When I was in grade school, the cafeteria introduced me to the "wonders" of low-budget eats, by which I mean I learned to deal with the slop that was put in front of me at lunch. There was, however, one standout meal that I could get excited about: beef tri-tip with gravy on toast. It was easily one of the best meals we were given during the week, beating out the anemic "pizza" easily. Even now, the thought of preparing tri-tip takes me back to those school days and the good times associated with them. Make some happy memories for yourself with this surprisingly flavorful cut. Top of the Food Chain, a column from Eat Me Daily's meatiest columnist, Ryan Adams. Every week he attempts to demystify the options available in your supermarket, breaking animals down piece by piece so that the next time you find yourself staring at endless Styrofoam containers, you'll be able to make an informed purchase.

Metcalf Food Solutions Reports Released; The Metcalf Foundation has released five new reports that together present a new vision for how we think about, produce and consume food. The reports offer a range of strategies to promote local economic development and improve access to healthy and abundant locally-produced food. The report collection, titled Metcalf Food Solutions, is the result of an open competition led by the Metcalf Foundation, a private family foundation that has been working behind-the-scenes for the past eight years to jumpstart a sustainable food movement in Ontario. From more than 40 applications, top innovators and experts were identified and funded to carry out five research projects to tackle food system reform. According to the Foundation’s President Sandy Houston the province’s food system – including the growing, processing, distribution and consumption of food – runs contrary to the very essence of food. “Food is a fundamental human concern central to our health, economy and environment and yet the system we have built around it is complex, rigid and opaque.” Metcalf news release. To download the reports, chose a title:

Menu 2020: Ten Good Food Ideas for Ontario
New Farmers and Alternative Markets Within the Supply-Managed System
Nurturing Fruit and Vegetable Processing in Ontario
Scaling Up Urban Agriculture in Toronto: Building the Infrastructure
In Every Community a Place for Food: The Role of the Community Food Centre in Building a Local, Sustainable, and Just Food System

June 18, 2010 > Locavore News — Events; Plumbline by Elbert van Donkersgoed
Sustain Ontario Calendar of Events
FarmStart Current Events & Workshops
The Stop Community Food Centre Events Calendar

Guelph Wellington Local Food Fest, June 27; Ignatius Farm and Jesuit Centre will be the site of the 5th annual Guelph Wellington Local Food Fest. Discover local foods available in our region, learn more about agriculture, enjoy a day of inspiration and information, farm-fresh shopping, and entertainment in an idyllic farm setting. “This event is about bringing out the culture of agriculture and building connections between urban and rural neighbours”. More.

Food share annual General Meeting and Open House, June 19; The upcoming 25th Anniversary AGM and Open House will celebrate FoodShare's work over its 25 year history, and look to the future as we launch our new Greenhouse. Count on a provocative panel discussion, demonstrations in all of our program areas, tours, workshops, lots of helpful take-home resources plus fun for the whole family. And of course, we will serve a delicious healthy lunch for all. Be sure to save the date and watch for further details! Details on website

Are Amish and Mennonite businesses resilient? June 25; Bus departs from the rear parking lot of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre (800 Sports Drive in Brussels, Ontario) Friday June 25, 2010 — 10 am to 4 pm. Tickets: $50. Call 519-887-2694 x 200 or e-mail info@greenjobsstrategy.ca to reserve your spot today. Organized by Huron (County) Business Development Corporation. Includes traditional Amish Lunch at St. Helens Hall.

Launch of York Region’s Chinese and South Asian Guides to Fresh Food, June 25; York Region Food Network is connecting the Chinese and South Asian communities with local food producers and retailers by launching two culturally-specific Guides to Fresh Food on June 25 at Whittamore’s Farm in Markham (8100 Steeles Avenue East). The launch event opens with a press conference at 11:30, followed by a light lunch at 12:00 provided by The Roving Chef and a wagon ride to Judy’s Tropical Garden, where world foods are grown, at 12:45. Please arrive by 11:15. Park in the main parking lot at Whittamore’s Farm. Proceed to the Hospitality Table located at the front of the Market for directions to the venue. RSVP: kima@yrfn.ca or 905-967-0428 ext. 201 by June 18.

The New Farm tour and Post Harvest Handling, June 26; Brent and Gillian offer over a 150 varieties of premium quality seasonal vegetables from their 100 acre farm, which they call “handmade” as everything is grown the good old fashion way, with hand tools. In the afternoon, participants will see how the high level of quality is maintained through their harvesting/processing/packing procedures. Creemore (Simcoe County), The New Farm.

Third Annual Savour Simcoe – Celebrating of Heritage, Agriculture & Regional Cuisine, August 29; Third Annual Savour Simcoe event will take place on Sunday August 29th, 2010 at the Simcoe County Museum (outdoors among the trees and historical buildings) - 1151 Hwy 26, Minesing, ON (just minutes northwest of Barrie). Details

2010 Tour de Greenbelt, September 11, 12, 25 & 26; Re-discover the joy of a leisurely bike ride and come explore Ontario's Greenbelt, 1.8 million acres of protected land wrapping around the Golden Horseshoe. Website.

Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival, September 25-26, Stratford; Renowned Canadian chefs, award-winning food writers, local farmers and artisans, exclusive Ontario VQA wines, craft brews and Stratford’s musical artists invite you to come join them to celebrate glorious food. Wander farmers markets in search of edible treasures, hands-on culinary demonstrations for adults and kids, outdoor musical concerts, street carnivals, theatre and an authentic Perth County BBQ. Continue with more concerts, street carnivals, culinary demonstrations and York Street Tasting with over 30 chefs paired with 30 local producers and VQA wines for an afternoon of sampling and imbibing in tents. It all happens in Stratford’s historic downtown shopping and garden district. Details on the Savour Stratford website.

FlavourFest, October 5 -11; Experience the flavours of Norfolk County, where local farmers, growers and chefs come together to promote their produce and culinary skills. There are live cooking shows with celebrity chefs and local talent, meet the Two Fairly Fat Guys, and shop the FlavourFest market to take home products with you. At Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show in Simcoe, ON. Happy Eating!! 1-800-699-9038, website.

Food Secure Canada's Biennial Assembly, November 26 to 28; The Assembly will begin with a keynote panel on Friday, November 26, focusing on the 'big picture' around food, energy, and climate change, with a panel of speakers from the 'global South' and Canada. The speakers will unveil the international corporate agenda and discuss the responses from small farmers and social movements against land grabs and the degeneration of agriculture into the production of biomass for whatever industrial purpose is currently convenient. This discussion will be placed in the context of the movement for Food Sovereignty. Initial program outline. Submissions for workshop or other sessions welcome via on-line form.

Greenbelts: Local Solutions for Global Challenges, March 22 to 24, 2011; The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation is hosting an International Greenbelts Conference in Toronto, Canada, March 22nd - 24th, 2011. Through the sharing of diverse experience and perspectives, the Conference will spark new ideas about the possibilities that greenbelts offer, and generate new ways of tackling some of the complex challenges in near urban farming, rural vibrancy, and protecting our ecosystems and the numerous benefits they provide. Website.

June 2, 2010 > Locavore News Ontario

'Dating Service' for Those with Local Food Interest
A new website has been launched to help meet consumer demand for local food and help Greenbelt farmers find new market opportunities. Greenbeltfresh.ca is a project of the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation. They're hoping commercial buyers will source their requirements by tapping into the site's listings for over 600 farms in the Greenbelt. Individual consumers can use the Marketplace section of the site to find fresh food from local farmers' markets, on-farm markets, pick-your-owns and more. Foundation spokesperson Burkhard Mausberg says it's like a dating service for local food - it helps people with an interest in local food find each other. The Foundation argues eating food from the Greenbelt is a powerful way to support family farms, improve the regional economy and strengthen the Greenbelt itself. CKNX Radio 920AM Wingham story.

Web 2.0 for the Food Movement
Social media is fairly young, but has already proven to be a powerful tool for spreading news and events quickly, in an interactive, engaging way. Farm and food leaders across the province are using a number of social networks to spread the word about healthy, local, sustainable food. Here are five social media tips for those of you interested in using these tools. Kyle McGregor blog on Sustain Ontario website.

Handmade jams, jellies now tested before sale at farmers' markets
Cost could force some vendors to offer less variety. New rules are making handmade jams, jellies and preserves safer to eat in Ontario, although farmers' market vendors are bracing for the long-term cost and whether they'll have to offer less variety. "If the cost is too big, we'll just cut it out. We can't do it for nothing," said Gerry Stewart of Jackie's Harvest in North Bay. It's one of more than 30 vendors at the season opening of the North Bay Downtown Farmers' Market on Saturday. Vendors who sell home-canned goods now have to submit samples of their food for testing before it's given a clean bill of health from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. North Bay Nugget story.

Huron Pork Direct Marketer Adds Value
Dashwood-area pork producers Martin and Teresa Van Raay have added a few of their own twists to the direct-marketing business model. They sell packages or baskets with various cuts of pork directly to consumers. But they deliver, too. That includes trips to Toronto, Guelph, Sarnia, Kitchener, London, Exeter and Grand Bend. Teresa Van Raay says that's not cheap but it's a way to get to know their customers. She expects it to pay off once volumes increase.
Van Raay says they buy all their small pigs from one producer - have it processed at one abattoir - and guarantee only their own meat goes into the packages. They're also marketing on-line at www.thewholepig.ca. CKNX Radio 920AM Wingham story.

No substitute for fresh
It's a trend Local Flavours organizers hope will continue -forever. Local restaurants, inns and consumers are buying locally grown vegetables and meat as the membership of the Local Flavours food network has increased to 113 strong -and that's without funding or advertising. "It has exploded," said Wendy Banks of Wendy's Mobile Market, one of the Local Flavours committee members. "We hope to see it grow more. It's building support for the community and bringing us back to where we got our food from originally," Banks said between serving customers Sunday. "It's not just romanticism or nostalgia. It's fresher, it tastes better, and it supports your local economy," said Local Flavours co-ordinator Jerry Heath. Brockville Recorder and Times story.

Want to be a farmer? Start surfing the web
Young Canadian farmers have been given the "skeleton key" to the policy-making process in Ottawa, says the country's minister of state for agriculture. Following months of roundtable discussions with young farmers across Canada, Jean-Pierre Blackburn said Monday he knows they face many challenges starting out, including limited access to capital, land and property, the prospect of taking on massive debts, and struggling to find out what government programs exist to help. A new section of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website, launched Monday, will help with the latter by identifying federal and provincial programs that help farmers just getting into the business and young people who are thinking about it. Simcoe Reformer story.

Friends of the Greenbelt Launch Greenbelt Fresh - a dating service for Local Food
The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation celebrates the launch of Greenbeltfresh.ca, an online database of Greenbelt farm products designed to help meet consumer demand for local food and help Greenbelt farmers find new market opportunities. Free and easy to use, this online tool supports the building of regional food networks in the densely populated Greater Golden Horseshoe and beyond. Commercial buyers can source their requirements by tapping into listings for over 600 farms, while individual consumers can use the Marketplace to find fresh food from local farmers’ markets, on-farm markets, pick-your-owns and more. Fresh Food Finder.

Rules create hurdles for local food

New Ontario meat processing rules threaten small-scale local food producers at the same time the provincial government seeks to boost local food sales, people in the business say. "They're applying the same standards to us as a small producer . . . as they are to Maple Leaf," said sheep farmer Brenda Forsyth. "It seems to be fairly random how stuff gets interpreted." An Ontario government inspector recently supervised the disposal of about $6,000 worth of meat pies Forsyth prepared in a commercial kitchen on her farm near Wiarton and delivered frozen to a customer. Forsyth sells some of her pies at the farm and others through wholesalers and retailers. The kitchen is inspected by Grey Bruce Health Unit officials and complies with public health requirements, but it is not licensed under fairly new provincial regulations for food processors that supply retailers and wholesalers, however. Owen Sound Sun Times story.

May 31, 2010 >> Grass-fed perhaps not as healthy as thought: study
By Tom Johnston, Meating Place - Industry News
Grass-fed beef may not be as healthful as some believe, according to a study conducted at Texas A&M University's AgriLife Research center.

Dr. Stephen Smith, one of the facility's meat scientists, and a team of researchers have discovered that ground beef from grass-fed cattle had no beneficial effects on plasma lipid.

However, high monounsaturated fat ground beef from grain-fed cattle increased HDL cholesterol, increased LDL particle diameters and decreased insulin, indicating that ground beef from grain-fed cattle is "a healthful, high-quality source of protein," he said.

"We wanted to see from this study if product from pasture-fed and corn-fed cattle had different effects on LDL or HDL cholesterol," Smith said. "We looked at the scientific literature and could not find any justifications for the statement that pasture-fed beef is better for you. All we found were rat studies in which they were fed omega-3 fatty acids, so we wanted to know if this applied to beef from grass-fed cattle."

In the study, funded by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, one group of Angus cattle was fed a pasture diet with supplement hay until 20 months of age.

A second group of Angus steers was fed as the animals would be fed at a conventional feedlot and kept on a corn-based diet until 16 months of age, then reaching USDA Choice status.

A third group of Angus steers were fed the corn-based diet the longest, until reaching USDA Prime. The fat in cattle that are high in marbling is low in saturated and trans-fats, and higher in monounsaturated fats.

Beef cuts from the plate and flank from all three grades were processed into a ground beef product, which contained 24 percent fat.

Then a group of 27 men completed a three-way crossover study. Each group rotated, consuming five 114-gram ground beef patties per week for six weeks from each of the three sets of cattle used in the study.

"There really were no negative effects of feeding ground beef from the pasture-fed cattle," Smith said. "We did see many positive effects in men that consumed ground beef from corn-fed cattle. The ground beef from the USDA Prime cattle increased HDL cholesterol and LDL particle diameter. Both effects are protective against cardiovascular disease. The Prime ground beef also decreased insulin, so it may have some protective effect against type II diabetes."

Smith presented the findings to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association last year and is now sharing among consumers and producers.

The study team included Dr. Rosemary Walzem, AgriLife Research poultry scientist, and Dr. Stephen Crouse, researcher from Texas A&M University's health and kinesiology department.

May 27, 2010 > Locavore News — Ontario

Harvest Ontario 2010 – The Source for Local is coming
The 10th anniversary edition of Ontario’s favourite ‘Source for Local’ will be available at your local Home Hardware, Home Building Centre and Home Furniture locations in early June! Pick-up your FREE edition of the largest and most comprehensive source for pick-your-own farms, roadside markets, farmers' markets, wineries, fairs, country B&B's and other great agritourism attractions. Supplies are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Need quicker access to sourcing farm to fork products? Tired of searching through numerous websites? Find it all from farmers’ market to on-farm markets to what’s in season at one convenient location – Harvest Ontario 2010 website.

Farm tour celebrates new map
It was a voyage of discovery for students, seniors and media who boarded a white school bus Friday morning at Leaping Deere Legends. As part of the launch of the brand-new Buy Local! Oxford map, the group of travellers rode through the breezy Oxford countryside to visit three of the locations featured on the new map. A partnership of the National Farmers Union (NFU), Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the County of Oxford, Ontario Ministry of Food and Rural Affairs, the Christian Farmers Union, Oxford Wholehearted Living Network and local producers, the new map is designed to make it easier for farmers to reach local consumers. Woodstock Sentinel-Review story.

Community Gardening in Hamilton
There are 13 community gardens in the City of Hamilton. Some of these include: Green Venture, Churchill Community Garden, North Hamilton Community Health Center (NHCHC), Keith Neighbourhood Garden, Today’s Family Community Garden, Athens Street Community Garden, Dundas Community Garden, NHCHC Paradise Community Garden, Jamesville Community Gardeners and West Highland Baptist Church Victory Garden & Plots. Hamilton Community Garden Directory. Naturally Hamilton website.

Mapping Sustain Ontario

Sustain Ontario has over 165 members across Ontario. Check out this map of their network. Newsletter.

April 29, 2010 >> Locavore News — Ontario ; Plumbline by Elbert van Donkersgoed
Perspectives on good food and farming

Northerners eat only locally grown food for entire year
For one local family, the food on the dinner table is very close to home. Genevieve Sulatycky, along with her husband and daughter, has taken a page from a popular new book,The 100 Mile Diet. The 100 Mile Dietchronicles the journey of authors Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon, as they attempt to eat nothing but locally grown food for one year. "People think that there's no way you can do (the 100 mile diet) in Northern Ontario," said Sulatycky. "At this time of year it's hard, but in the summer we were able to get 80-90% of our diet from locally grown food." Sault Star story.

Is the organic food craze losing health battle to 'local' labels?
Consumers' passion for organic food appears to be waning after several years of rapid growth, says a report by the Canadian unit of The Nielsen Company. Sales of organic fruit and produce are still climbing but at slower rates than in previous years, according to the report by Carman Allison, called Keeping it Fresh in the New Economy. The recession has been a factor as budget-conscious shoppers traded down to cheaper non-organic brands. Organic fruits and vegetables are on average 50 per cent more expensive than their conventional counterparts, the Nielsen study found. But certified organic processors also say they face increasing competition from uncertified labels, such as “locally grown” and “natural,” which many consumers believe to be just as beneficial as organic foods. Toronto Star local.

Local Food Key Ag Reference In Throne Speech
The one reference to agriculture in this week's provincial throne speech talked about creating new opportunities to buy local food. Agriculture Minister Carol Mitchell says the government sees it as an opportunity for the province's farmers. Mitchell says in some countries the retailers share information with the agricultural community to help line up what's being produced with what consumers are asking for. She says local processors can help match what farmers are producing with what consumers want to buy. Blackwell says they've also got a Vintage Machinery show set up for opening day. CKNX Radio 920AM Wingham story.

Ontario Wineries Want Foodland Ontario Logo Use
The group representing over 100 of the province's wineries wants in on the Foodland Ontario program. The Ontario Viniculture Association says a number of Ontario-grown wines can't get the Vintners Quality Alliance designation to help consumers identify them on store shelves. The O-V-A says by allowing wines to use the Foodland Ontario designation consumers would be able to find those wines made of 100 per cent Ontario grown grapes. CKNX Radio 920AM Wingham story.

Halton Region first region in Canada to adopt local sustainable food procurement practices
Halton Region has become the first region in Canada to adopt local sustainable food procurement practices for its municipal food services. An agreement with Local Food Plus (LFP) will bring fresh, local sustainable food to the cafeteria at Halton Regional Centre (1151 Bronte Road, view map ), and help support Ontario’s farm economy while reducing green house gas emissions. Milton News story.

The importance of supporting local food
Do you pay attention to where your food comes from? How many carbon emissions were released into the air to get that California apple to you? Have you ever thought about how your food purchases might affect your local economy, the environment or your health? Students and faculty have begun to recognize that local food is a key way to support sustainable initiatives on the University of Guelph campus. As the number one agricultural university in the world, and with its food science department being the largest in the university, the U of G has great resources to support local food initiatives on campus, including celebrating the work Hospitality Services has made in providing local food options on campus. The Ontarion story.

Locavore by Sarah Elton
Elton takes us through a bit of the history of the Toronto Food Terminal. Huge it may be, but it does seem that it is a place where some farmers can bring their produce and sell directly (if they have the time, inclination, resources). The scarier aspect of modern food distribution is the power of the two main grocery store chains (here in Canada, Loblaw and Metro); their buyers decide what products will be featured on stores shelves, thereby influencing what is manufactured and grown to be processed. Book Review on Saving the World in My Spare Time.

Backyard chickens: Fair or fowl?
How are you going to keep them down on the farm once they’ve seen Toronto? One woman, three years into flouting Toronto’s anti-chicken bylaw, wishes that was the biggest issue on her plate when it comes to the banned backyard birds. The Toronto Chicken — the alias she uses for her blog to avoid a raid by bylaw officers — told the Sun she hopes councillors won’t stay chicken forever about allowing the birds in Hogtown yards. “(Councillor) Joe Mihevc is onboard and I think Toronto Public Health is supportive and it actually fits in so perfectly with the new food policy they are working on,” the Toronto Chicken said Tuesday. Toronto Sun story.

Greenbelt Foundation Supporting Local Food
Three of the grants awarded by the friends of the Greenbelt Foundation are related to the local food movement. The foundation is giving the York Region Food Network 45 thousand dollars. That's for a greenbelt-grown cultural food guide for York Region. The Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance is getting 10 thousand dollars to launch its Greenbeltfresh Online Marketplace. And the Conserver Society of Hamilton is going to use its 85 hundred dollar grant for its 2010 Eat Local Map. One of the Greenbelt Foundation's major goals is to support a robust agricultural sector in the Greenbelt. CKNX Radio 920AM Wingham story.

April 23, 2010 > Locavore News — Ontario ; Plumbline by Elbert van Donkersgoed

‘Local food’ producers named Outstanding Young Farmers
Steve and Lisa Cooper of Zephyr were named the 2010 Ontario Outstanding Young Farmers at a banquet in the Ramada Inn in Belleville on March 30, out of six finalists from among a record 36 nominations for the prestigious award. As adverse weather, low commodity prices and a smaller cattle market hampered their prospects for financial stability, they decided to put in a market garden in the late 1990s. With the addition of a corn stand, they tried their hand at direct marketing. In 2000, they sold the cattle and replaced them with meat goats. They converted the cropping area of the farm into an on-farm store and an agri-entertainment area with a corn maze, kids’ play area, fall festival and recently a pick-your-own section. Local Food Plus, an organization that certifies farmers engaged in local sustainable food production and helps them connect with buyers, approved their farm and its products. Eastern Ontario AgriNews story.

Hunt Club pushes local food
You know the buy local food movement has gone mainstream when it takes over the London Hunt and Country Club. There were lots of pickup trucks in the prestigious club's parking lot Monday as it held Local Food Connection - an annual event similar to a trade show for farmers and other primary producers who want to hook up with restaurateurs, retailers and processors in the hunt for locally produced food. Monday's producers, from across Southwestern Ontario, offered a variety of vegetables, meats and herbs as well as rainbow trout, elk and quail. London Free Press story.

As health problems pile up, Toronto creates a new urban food strategy
The board of health is proposing a new food strategy that hopes to provide families across the city with better access to food. The public health department released its consultation paper this week and hopes to have some solid ideas presented to city council by the end of the spring. David McKeown, Toronto’s medical officer of health, told the Globe: The food system that we have now, broadly, was developed in the postwar period and was really designed to keep prices low and maximize the amount of food that goes out there. But that food, despite the fact that food prices are relatively low historically, is still not affordable for people who are of low income. Toronto Life story.

How did Real Food for Real Kids begin?
While searching for the ideal child care centre for our son Max, we discovered a shocking consistency. Every centre we visited served the same type of food: processed, frozen, and canned convenience foods. Very little of it was fresh – and almost nothing was cooked from scratch. Dissatisfied, I made and sent snacks and lunches with Max every day. The caregivers at the centre spoke so highly of his food that the director began talking with me about ways to increase the healthiness of snacks. Because it was clear that the catering program these kids needed didn't exist, we wondered what it would take to create something totally different. We thought that little bodies would be better built with meals made from fresh, all natural, and locally grown food. We called our model Real Food for Real Kids. So then we did the only sensible thing: we took out a second mortgage on the house, quit our other jobs, hired some amazing people, and went through a full-scale rethink of child care food service. Featured Mompreneur on Blush website.

The future of food
Lori Stahlbrand's energy and optimism outshine the gloom of statistics she is determined to change.The hurdles of disappearing farmland, peak oil, and the disenfranchisement of farmers seem undaunting after a conversation with the creator of Local Food Plus."We're run off of our feet with interest and inquiries," she says. "It really buoys you up."The nonprofit organization, based in Toronto, works as a kind of matchmaker, helping to establish relationships between farmers and the institutions, food retailers and restaurants nearby that want to support them. Local Food Plus sets standards for everything from animal welfare, labour practices, soil and water conservation to the distance that the food has to travel from field to plate. Close to 200 farmers have signed on since the organization began five years ago, along with about 80 food outlets and the University of Toronto's St. George campus."The town of Markham was the first municipality to be certified," says Stahlbrand. "They felt very strongly that just looking at local food is not enough. Hamilton Spectator story.

Nottawasaga Futures launches centre for environmental ideas
Nottawasaga Futures plans to make South Simcoe a leader in a new, environmentally friendly economy. The organization, in partnership with York University and the South Simcoe Economic Alliance, launched the South Simcoe Green Economy Transition Centre last Friday at The Club at Bond Head. The launch ceremony also highlighted some green initiatives from throughout the community. Holland Marsh Growers’ Association executive director Jamie Reaume spoke of how the organization brought in the non-profit group Local Food Plus to certify many of the association’s members as sustainable farmers. “This was an opportunity, not a challenge,” he said, noting the farmers were already stewards of the land and Local Food Plus helped build on what was already taking place. Simcoe.com story.

Food deserts in Toronto?
Many Toronto residents live in "food deserts", places where fresh and affordable food is not available. Low income people and newcomers to Canada are often isolated in high rise buildings, far from the good food that they need. United Way member agencies FoodShare and West Hill Community Services have partnered to create the East Scarborough Festival Market which brings affordable produce to isolated neighbourhoods, helping residents improve their personal and family diets. Debbie Field, Executive Director of FoodShare shows us how local markets are also helping to break down social isolation. YouTube video.

University of Toronto Dining Services at Fresh Food Company
Informational video about the University of Toronto's Fresh Food Company at New College Residence. YouTube video.

Sustainable Local Food Certificate at St. Lawrence College
This certificate explores the practices, principles and philosophies involved in local food system development. The focus is on increasing both academic and hands-on knowledge of regional food initiatives across Canada, alongside international best practices. There is a specific concentration on applied learning, online networking, and community research. This certificate is the first of its kind in Canada, providing a cutting edge advantage when competing for work in the sustainable local food sector. Participants are welcome to take any individual courses they like. For the certificate, you will need to complete the 6 required courses. Spring/Summer Semester, 2010 (May 14th- August 20th) St. Lawrence College Part Time Studies.

April 16, 2010 > Locavore News — Events

2010 Ontario Institute of Agrologists Conference & AGM, April 16 & 17, Niagara-on-the-Lake
The theme of the Conference, Nourishing Our Neighbours While Feeding Billions, will contribute to the current debate about local food and its role in sustainable food systems and to look at food as a global commodity. The theme has attracted an excellent group of speakers. In addition, a Friday afternoon pre‐conference tour has been organized for those who wish to arrive early to learn innovative approaches of some agricultural and environmental enterprises in the Niagara Region. Conference brochure.

Eat & Drink Norfolk to celebrate Norfolk County farmers, April 23-24
The Aud, Norfolk County Fairgrounds, Simcoe (Norfolk County), Ontario. Show includes wineries, breweries, restaurants and food producers. Nibble and nosh your way around Norfolk County. Tasting tickets available. Live entertainment on stage, including the Two Fairly Fat Guys, Norfolk County's Official Food Ambassadors. Admission $8. Details.

1st Annual Culinary Challenge And Trade Show, April 25
The Culinary Challenges are coming together very well. The Celebrity Challenge has radio personality Jason Farr (Talk 820) and managing editor Mark Cripps (The Hamilton Community Newspapers) and Linda Rourke (Cable 14) who are all friends and love nothing better than to compete and beat each other at challenges. The Grand Olympia, Stoney Creek. Details

Walkable Local Foods: Local food buying clubs, April 27, Kitchener
Want to be able to walk to pick up local foods? It is possible! Uptown Waterloo has a food buying club that makes eating local convenient and fun for its 500 members. Your neighbourhood can have one too. Come find out how to set up a local food buying club in your neighbourhood. Tuesday, April 27, 2010 ,7-9pm, KPL Main Branch, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener. Healthy Food System Series.

Taking Root: 5th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, May 17 to 19, Detroit
Farm to Cafeteria programs are taking root in schools, hospitals, colleges, daycares, and other institutions. Come to Detroit for the 5th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference to learn how you can start and scale up a program in your community. Join us for trips to local farms, school lunchrooms and processing facilities; workshops on issues such as federal and state policy, experiential education, sustainability and economic development and sessions geared towards youth, producers and food service providers. Conference website.

2010 National Summit on a People-Centred Economy, May 30 - June 1
From cooperatives that have existed for more than a century, to the latest innovative social enterprises, citizen-led efforts to build a people-centred economy are rich in their history and diversity. In the face of recent economic turmoil and growing ecological crises, these approaches are more relevant than ever. The 2010 National Summit on a People-Centred Economy will be an unprecedented gathering of leaders and representatives of the community economic development, cooperative and social economy sectors to build a common agenda and mobilize action for a secure, sustainable economy that puts people and the planet first. Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario. The Canadian CED Network conference website.

Workshop on Economics of Local Food Markets, New Jersey, June 15 & 16
Local Food Markets is a high-visibility issue area distinguished by a number of economic and marketing questions that demand research-based answers. The goal of the workshop is to highlight current research and bring together researchers, extension educators, private sector participants, and policy makers to exchange ideas and develop a common set of priority research and education needs for local food systems. The synthesis of ideas that result from this workshop will be disseminated in a variety of relevant outlets to encourage collaboration on local foods research and extension. The format will include two thematic sessions emphasizing rural and urban local food issues. Each session will begin with a presentation by an invited speaker selected for expertise in practical or theoretical aspects of local food markets. About the workshop.

***NEW***Growing Out of Hunger, July 13, BC
Find out how this former professional basketball player, corporate sales executive and urban farmer is feeding 10,000 people and starting a community food revolution out of his inner-city farms in Milwaukee and Chicago. Winner of the $500,000 MacArthur Genius Fellowship in 2008, Will Allen is transforming the cultivation, production, and delivery of healthy foods to underserved urban populations. Details Simon Fraser University website.

Growing Power's National-International Urban & Small Farm Conference, September 10 to 12, Milwaukee
Come to Milwaukee and help grow the good food revolution. Hosted by Growing Power—a national organization headed by the sustainable urban farmer and MacArthur Fellow Will Allen—this international conference will teach the participant how to plan, develop and grow small farms in urban and rural areas. Learn how you can grow food year-round, no matter what the climate, and how you can build markets for small farms. See how you can play a part in creating a new food system that fosters better health and more closely-knit communities. Conference website.

Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival, September 25-26, Stratford
Renowned Canadian chefs, award-winning food writers, local farmers and artisans, exclusive Ontario VQA wines, craft brews and Stratford’s musical artists invite you to come join them to celebrate glorious food. Wander farmers markets in search of edible treasures, hands-on culinary demonstrations for adults and kids, outdoor musical concerts, street carnivals, theatre and an authentic Perth County BBQ. Continue with more concerts, street carnivals, culinary demonstrations and York Street Tasting with over 30 chefs paired with 30 local producers and VQA wines for an afternoon of sampling and imbibing in tents. It all happens in Stratford’s historic downtown shopping and garden district. Details on the Savour Stratford website.

Greenbelt not saving farms, summit hears
Howard Staff figures the greenbelt has done a fine job promoting the romanticized vision of farming. But the seventh generation grape grower doesn't think the five-year-old environmental land preserve is doing much to save actual farms. The area around his Lincoln farm is sprouting big houses, replacing acres of once-upon-a-time cropland. He watches Tour de Greenbelt cyclists snapping photos of his Concord grapes -- a crop struggling grape growers now have virtually no chance of selling commercially in Ontario. "Is this what the greenbelt was meant to do?" he said Wednesday at a locally organized "summit" on the controversial protected swath of land that wraps around the Golden Horseshoe. "I think this (legislation) needs a serious review." St. Catharines Standard story.

Chefs get fresh with local farmers
When chef Scott Kapitan returned from a holiday in England, he knew he had to get a hold of hispi cabbage. After sampling a dish featuring the sweet-tasting vegetable at an upscale restaurant in England, he saw endless potential to create his own distinct culinary treat. To his dismay, Kapitan discovered hispi cabbage was not readily available in Ontario. So he contacted local farmer Ed Taylor of Honey Wagon Farms in Picton and put in a special request to have the vegetable grown on Taylor's farm. After buying seeds from France -- where hispi cabbage is commonly grown and certainly more popular than in North America -- Taylor was able to grow the vegetable that had eluded Kapitan. That exchange typifies the kind of relationship local farmers are striving to make with potential customers though the Local Food Local Chefs program, started by the Kingston Business Improvement Area to connect local food producers and buyers in Kingston. Kingston Whig-Standard story.

Chief Vet Says Abattoir Regs Needed To Be Stronger
Ontario's Chief Veterinarian says tougher inspection regulations and enforcement with provincial abattoirs are responding to concerns raised in a report on the industry completed several years ago. Doctor Deb Stark says the report suggested the industry needed some stronger regulations applied consistently across the board. But Stark also agrees there have not been any major food safety problems from provincially-licensed abattoirs. Some local abattoir operators argue the cost of meeting those tough new regulations will force many of them out of business. CKNX Radio 920AM Wingham story.

Loblaw and University of Guelph Announce Chair in Sustainable Food Production
Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) and the University of Guelph, (U of G) today announced the creation of The Loblaw Companies Limited Chair in Sustainable Food Production. The chair was made possible by a $3-million gift from Loblaw and will be the centre of U of G's research focus on creating robust food production systems. It will help lead change in food production systems through education, research, practice and outreach within the context of the essential elements of sustainability: the environment, communities and the economy. Canadian News Wire story.

Push To Make ALUS Permanent, Province-Wide
Some of those involved in the Ontario ALUS Alliance are calling for it to become a permanent, province-wide program. John Clement of the Christian Farmers Federation says the Alternative Land Use Services alliance has a clear vision. Clement says they're asking organisations and individuals to partner in calling for the creation of a permanent, province-wide ALUS program. CKNX Radio 920AM Wingham story.

March 26, 2010 > Locavore News — Ontario; Perspectives on good food and farming

***NEW***Value Plus – Your Path to Farm Success coming to BC March 26th!
The global marketplace is no place to be selling an undifferentiated product. The price takers, those who don’t have the power to set prices for a specialty product, are vulnerable financially and are at the whim of supply and demand. Those who have diversified have added value to an existing product and will be able to ask more for that product or service. Quesnel, BC. Canadian Farm Business Management council website

***NEW***Public Consultation Sessions re Toronto Food Strategy
Public consultations on the Toronto Food Strategy are posted on the Food Connections website. If you are interested in attending any of the sessions, reply to contact name associated with the event, or contact Yusuf at the Toronto Food Policy Council: 416-338-7936 for further information.

Seedy Saturday, March 27, Cowichan (BC)
Come for a great selection of seeds from local seed vendors, as well as a chance to "seed swap", meet local farmers and other "foodies". We will also be hosting a workshop "Starting with Seeds". Find out what crops are suitable for our island coastal climate and how and when to plant. Learn several methods of seed starting techniques and recipes for making different soil mixes. Details Cowichan (BC) Green Community.

Edible Cities: Can Urban Agriculture Feed Us All? March 29, Kitchener
The next event in the Roundtable's Healthy Food System series at Kitchener Public Library is Monday, March 29, 2010, 7-9pm, at KPL Main Branch (85 Queen St N, Kitchener). Join us for an informative session on urban agriculture, including green roofs, community gardens, SPIN (small-plot, intensive) farming, urban homesteading, urban forests and wild harvesting, as we explore how urban agriculture can be a solution for creating sustainable cities and feeding us all. Healthy Food System Series.

Nutrition Month Campaign, March 29, Woodstock
A series of awareness events are being held over the next month in a push to encourage local residents to include fruits and vegetables in their diets. This year's national Nutrition Month campaign focuses on educating people about the benefits of healthy eating, and how to plan and prepare healthy meals. On March 29 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., a free education session will be held upstairs at Hurley's Independent Grocers in Ingersoll, featuring guest speaker Ann Slater of Ann Slater's Organic Vegetable Farm. Slater said local produce doesn't disappear when the weather turns cold. Woodstock Sentinel Review story

Local Food Connection: Farmer Food Buyer Networking Event, March 29, London
This event connects farmers and food buyers into the local food market place. It is for farmers interested in finding out more about selling into local food marketing opportunities. It will be of interest to chefs, caterers, food retailers, processors, distributors, food-service and institutional food providers looking to offer more local food. Details on the website of London Economic Development Corporation.

Greenbelt after Five Years Summit, March 31
Wednesday, March 31, 2010, Four Points By Sheraton 3530 Schmon Parkway, Thorold. Details.

Community Food Hubs Seminar, April 7, Toronto
Towards Sustainable Food: An Introduction to the BRASS Research Centre and the work of the BRASS Food Group with Alex Franklin and Julie Newton (Cardiff University). Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 10AM-11:30AM, Oakham House, 63 Gould Street in the Oakham Lounge (2nd Floor) (http://www.ryerson.ca/maps/) Community food hubs are increasingly being employed by sustainability advocates as a model for coordinating the supply of food from groups of local producers to consumers. As well as reducing food miles and providing new economic opportunities, food hubs can also be used to promote connections between consumers and proximate rural productive spaces.

Food Inc. Coming To Huron County, April 15, Goderich
A film coming into Goderich next month has drawn some attention from the president of the Huron Federation of Agriculture. Food Inc. is an Oscar-nominated film on the food industry in the U-S. Wayne Black hasn't seen it yet - but reviews suggest it's taking a pretty negative look at the industry. He thinks it may not be a bad idea for farmers to have a look at the film. Black says as long as consumers and farmers watch the film with an open mind - realising it has a specific slant on the industry - it could generate some good discussion.The screening of Food Inc. in Goderich on April 15th is sponsored by the Huron-Bruce NDP. CKNX Radio 920AM Wingham story

***NEW***2010 National Summit on a People-Centred Economy, May 30 - June 1
From cooperatives that have existed for more than a century, to the latest innovative social enterprises, citizen-led efforts to build a people-centred economy are rich in their history and diversity. In the face of recent economic turmoil and growing ecological crises, these approaches are more relevant than ever. The 2010 National Summit on a People-Centred Economy will be an unprecedented gathering of leaders and representatives of the community economic development, cooperative and social economy sectors to build a common agenda and mobilize action for a secure, sustainable economy that puts people and the planet first. Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario. The Canadian CED Network conference website.

Faith and the Future of the Countryside 2010, November 3 to 5, Swanwick, Derbyshire, UK
A major ecumenical conference exploring the sustainability of rural communities and their churches, and making recommendations for their future. This event will also mark 20 years from the publication of Faith in the Countryside and the completion of the Archbishop’s Commission on Rural Areas. Four conference themes of rural communities, economy, environment and rural church reflect the breadth of issues covered in the original report. Church of England website

AND in case you have time

McDonald’s Burger Domination: A Tale of Conflicting Maps
Looks like someone needs to go back to that 6th-grade map-reading lesson. A few days ago, Consumerist had a blog post showing an interesting map alleging to show the concentration of fast-food burger joints across the U.S. The Consumerist post is based off an “Infographic of the Day” post from the magazine Fast Company. The map appears to show a far less dominant market position for McDonald’s than many had assumed. So Good Blog proves that it still does.

March 24, 2010 > Locavore News — Ontario; Perspectives on good food and farming
Plumbline by Elbert van Donkersgoed

Waterloo Region Opportunity to Include Food Policies in Official Plans
In 2009, the Waterloo Region Food System Roundtable and many other people and organizations gave input into the Region of Waterloo's Official Plan (ROP) with a view to encouraging the Region to include food policies in it. Now, each of the seven area municipalities in the Region must create Official Plans of their own which conform to the ROP. There is an opportunity for these municipalities to include food-related policies that would address things like community gardens, the keeping of urban hens and bees, locating food stores, etc. The Roundtable's Discussion Forum contains information on the public input processes planned by the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, and invites you to post any information you may have on the other municipalities (Cambridge or the four rural townships). Contact the Roundtable if you want to help advocate for food policies to be incorporated into area municipal official plans.

Niagara slow to 'Go Local,' policy brief says
If a vegetable is planted in a local farmer's field, will anybody in Niagara eat it? Likely not, according to a new policy brief by Brock University's Niagara Community Observatory. The eight-page discussion paper suggests there's more than 7,000 farms in Niagara producing everything from peaches to apples to nuts. But many locals aren't buying what area growers are selling. Niagara's 435,000 residents like the idea of supporting local growers and buying food that's good for them, but are accustomed to quick-fix shopping at large grocery store chains, the report finds. These stores are stocked with foreign goods, which are cheaper for large-scale retailers and consumers to purchase than local fruits and vegetables, writes report authors Sophia Papastavrou and Frances Chandler. St. Catharines Standard story. Report (2MB PDF).

500 New Jobs Coming To North Perth
The McGuinty government is helping turn a former Campbell's Soup factory into a poultry processing plant in Listowel as part of its Open Ontario Plan. Erie Meat Products Limited is expected to hire and train 500 workers over the next three years to process chicken and turkey meat for sale around the world. Ontario Premier’s website.

Niagara Food Festival makes top 100 list again
Niagara Food Festival was once again ranked in the top 100 celebrations across the province by Festivals and Events Ontario. Festival co-ordinator Jane Thompson learned the good news this week while attending FEO's annual conference in Ottawa. The peninsula's tastiest party nabbed a spot in the top 100 out of more than 1,200 eligible festivals and events from across the province. Thompson said interest is continuing to grow around Niagara Food Festival, especially thanks to networking opportunities such as the FEO conference. While networking with other event organizers, she said everyone was impressed not only with the festival but with its state-of-the- art mobile culinary theatre. The theatre will be doing a lot of travelling this summer, with several out-of-town festivals booking it for an appearance. Welland Tribune story.

Farming for the local consumer
Leaving a profitable job as an X-ray technician wasn't an easy decision for Chantal Lewington. She quit her $30 an hour job to be a full-time farmer. But it's a decision the 23-year-old doesn't regret. It was a lifestyle choice," she said. I wanted to do something to prevent illness rather than just diagnosing it." Lewington and her husband Dave own Dalew Farms, a 140-acre (56hectare) property in Lavigne where they operate a small-scale farming operation growing a multitude of vegetables, grass-fed beef and lamb, pastured pork and poultry. North Bay Nugget.

Bringing the farm to school
The county is bringing the farm to Lansdowne Public School. In celebration of National Nutrition Month on Thursday, Lansdowne school's Student Nutrition Program will welcome Simone Edginton, a regi s t e re d dietitian with Lambton's Community Health Services Department. In keeping with this year's theme "Celebrate Food . . . from field to table" students will also have the opportunity to learn about the value of eating locally grown food with Zekveld's Garden Market. Sarnia Observer story.

Some Welcome Increased Consumer Food Interest
Some farm leaders are welcoming the increased consumer interest in how food is produced and where it comes from. Huron Federation of Agriculture president Wayne Black says it gives farmers the chance to get their story to consumers. Black says the Foodland Ontario program is one way consumers can get a better idea where their food is coming from. But he says supporting local farming goes beyond just buying what's available at the local farmers market. Black says getting the story out about Ontario agriculture is a challenge - especially when faced by well-financed activist groups who prefer to paint all of agriculture as highly-mechanised factory-farm operations. CKNX Radio 920AM Wingham story.

Loblaw stores to go greener
Loblaw stores are installing solar panels on the roof tops of four Ontario stores in an effort to become a greener company. The stores will be in Toronto, Ajax, Whitby and Orleans. “This initiative is part of Loblaw’s overall effort, through the use of renewable energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Bob Chant, vice president, corporate affairs, Loblaw Companies Limited. Loblaw will work with the Northland Power Income Fund to install the panels to create clean and renewable power. Toronto Sun story

Groups push for greenbelt expansion
A push to get the Dalton McGuinty government to approve a major expansion of the greenbelt westward through Brant County and in other directions in southern Ontario is gaining fresh energy with the entry of new groups and controversial development activities. For much of the past two years, a collection of groups has been advocating, either independently or in concert as the emerging Greenbelt Alliance, for expansions of the greenbelt area's original 1.8-million acre territory around the Greater Golden Horseshoe. They want the protective environmental and agricultural zone to grow westward into Brant, northward through Guelph, the Town of Oakville, Markham and Simcoe County, and eastward to Prince Edward County. Brantford Expositor story.

March 10, 2010 > Locavore News — Ontario; Plumbline by Elbert van Donkersgoed
Perspectives on good food and farming; March 10, 2010

T.O. game changers
The food picture just keeps getting bigger and bigger. First we fretted about organics and then local and sustainable, and now it's all about the food system and the way it connects to every facet of city life. So check out the Board of Health's Toronto Food Strategy Update, released February 1, which aims to coordinate the city's many functions through the lens of food security. Think of it this way: City Hall regulates zoning, controls vending licences, runs parks, maintains roads, pays social assistance, serves food, disposes of food wastes and so much more. What if every decision in every department reflected the goal of a sustainable food system, targeting hunger and unhealthy eating? Putting food on the permanent agenda means, for example, examining Transit City for its ability to serve food shopping needs, or developing strategies to stop food waste, thus easing pressure on the green box. Now Magazine story

Foodland Ontario Pushing Its Logo Use
If you are in the business of direct to consumer sales -- Foodland Ontario says you may want to consider using their logo. Denise Zaborowski is with Foodland - and says producers can get access to logos, banners and signs if they are selling Ontario product. She says whether it be fruits, vegetables, meats, jams, or any other food product -- as long as it's Ontario -- the logo should be on it. Zaborowski says a lot of the logos, signs and banners are free for anyone pushing Ontario product. And with over 95 percent of the public recognizing the Foodland symbol -- Zaborowski says producers may be able to boost their own sales using it. Full details and how to get the logo on your product -- are available at the Foodland website. CKNX Radio AM920 Wingham story.

Building farmers from the ground up
Farming is in Sri Sethuratnam’s blood. He owned about 28 hectares in India before emigrating to Canada. At the University of Guelph, he pursued his Masters in Rural Studies, but when he started searching for farm experience in 2006, there was nothing available. Our farms are mostly family-run, he points out, with very little help from outside the family. With no land and no connections, he was shut out. He took an internship in Singapore instead. Returning to Guelph in the summer of 2008, he landed a position with FarmStart. The organization has two farms that gives new farmers, or farmers new to Canada, a chance to learn about organic agriculture, and build a small farm business, with minimal initial investment. FarmStart provides a small plot of land—up to about one hectare—shared access to tools, tractors and expertise. The program is designed for people who are serious about pursuing organic agriculture as a commercial enterprise. Guelph Mercury story.

Promoting locally grown food
The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit is launching a campaign in March to promote locally grown food. "The promotion is connected to Nutrition Month in March with its theme, 'Celebrate food... from field to table,' " health unit dietitian Coraine Wray said in a media release. "We'll be setting up displays at local libraries to promote the variety of foods grown right here in Haldimand and Norfolk counties." Simcoe Reformer story.

Plans for research station scaled back
Planners have dramatically pruned back a $42-million vision to expand and rebuild the former Vineland Research Station. The new $25-million proposed facelift, however, is "more focused" and "results-oriented," said Donald Ziraldo, the chairman of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. "Right now, I think this is the better plan," Ziraldo said after helping present a project update to a stakeholders committee meeting held at Brock University Thursday. St. Catharines Standard story.

Beef Farmers Alliance Gets Strong Consumer Response
An innovative partnership is helping a group of Lambton County farmers sell more beef to local consumers. Murray Shaw, Ralph Eyre and Chad Anderson previously sold freezer beef as independent businesses. Two years ago their families formed an alliance called Bluewater Beef. Shaw says they saw an opportunity to increase sales by pooling their resources and spreading out their costs. The group developed a marketing plan that includes selling boxed beef from their farms, the internet and at a local famers' market. And consumer reaction has been surprising. Eyre says people are showing great interest in where their food comes from. CKNX Radio AM920 Wingham story.

Support for abattoir proposal
A report for Monday's municipal council planning meeting recommends approval of an on-farm abattoir on Duart Road in Orford. The facility -- which could create up to 20 full time jobs -- would be used by Scot and Cheryl Ryckman to slaughter and clean quail for market.
The report by Storey Samways Planning Ltd. indicates that the Ryckmans are currently shipping their birds to a processing facility in northern Ontario at a cost of $200,000 a year. The facility in northern Ontario is for sale due to the owner's pending retirement. If it closes, the producers would lose their bird market. Chatham Daily News story.

Change apple, tender fruit and grape marketing strategy: report
A recent report by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre indicates the Ontario’s tender fruit, apple and grape industries must change their marketing strategy to regain former profitability. Although the document is “another tool in our arsenal,” Len Troup, chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers Marketing Board, warns it contains “no miracles.” A draft of the report was presented to the producers’ marketing board March 1. Better Farming story.

March 8, 2010 > The Canadian Restaurant & Foodservice Assoc. Show is being held in Toronto at Exhibition Grounds on March 7 -9, 2010.

Stefan Oellinger of Kerr Farms & Top Meadow Farms attended the show and met with many new and renewed many contacts within the industry to our programs. The local, fresh sector is growing, with consumer awareness of local food issues, food safety and sustainability all factoring into buying trends.

Congratulations to the CRFA for an outstanding event.

Feb. 26, 2010 >> Locavore News and one on Locavore Events; Are locavores for real? CBC Commentary by Elbert van Donkersgoed. Listen to the commentary.

Is the flurry of interest in locally grown, locally raised and locally processed food just a passing fad? Not likely — the food sector is a long way from meeting the wants of locavores. I’ve heard all the arguments downplaying the trend towards local: Price trumps all, consumers don’t care enough, it’s just another niche market, and it’s too expensive to retool our bulk anonymous export-oriented commodity infrastructure. These are real hurdles. But doubters underestimate the vigour of the locavore movement in North America and fail to appreciate what is driving consumers who are attracted to local food. Locavore News and one on Locavore Events; to add your address to the Plumbline distribution list, send an email to: Plumbline-subscribe@terracoeur.com. During normal weeks, Plumbline distributes two digests on Locavore News and one on Locavore Events edited by Elbert van Donkersgoed. Submissions for the digests are welcome at Plumblinehome@terracoeur.ca.

Feb. 24 & 25 , 2010 > The Ontario Cattlemen’s Association AGM was held on Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Website

Feb. 23, 2010 > The BIO – Beef Improvement Ontario AGM was held on Tuesday February 23, 2010 at the International Plaza in Toronto.
The BIO presentation was very informative on many fronts, including BIO’s new website based BioTrack Herd/Health/Traceability capabilities and including a presentation on Profitability Index & Prediction via Ultrasound Modelling by Dr. Scott Bothwell.

Click here for the BIO Beef Improvement Ontario site.

January 20, 2010 >> Distribution and Local Retailers Barrier To Local Food Growth
Crops day at Grey Bruce Farmers week heard there's no question about the demand for local food. But Mike Schreiner says lack of distribution and retailers is a barrier to growth in that market. He says farmers can get around that by working together to supply a cooperative or private enterprise. Schreiner also advocates a buy local requirement for public institutions like schools and hospitals as a way to boost the market for local food producers. CKNX Wingham Radio AM920 story.

January 13, 2010 >> On January 28, 2010, GS1 Canada President and CEO N. Arthur Smith will present at the Ontario Forum on Agri-Food Traceability, hosted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs. Taking place at the Holiday Inn Guelph Hotel & Conference Centre in Guelph, Ontario, the goal of the Forum is to provide attendees with insight into the business value of investments in traceability, and to facilitate discussion among speakers and attendees about the future of agri-food traceability in Ontario.

Forum information and registration details are available here.
Mr. Smith’s presentation, entitled “What in the World is Going On? International Traceability Systems: How and Why They Are Successful,” will address the value of GS1 global supply chain standards for enabling agriculture and agri-food traceability, touching on international examples where the standards have been successfully integrated into traceability programs and outlining a vision for Canada.
Other speakers include:

The Honourable Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Martin Gooch, Director, Value Chain Management Centre
Eric Biddiscombe, Senior Director Planning, Loblaws
Susie Miller, Director General, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Organizations throughout Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector are increasingly recognizing the value of standards-based supply chain traceability processes for enhancing consumer confidence in their products; accessing broader market and trading partner opportunities; differentiating their product from the competition; and meeting government requirements for trade. GS1 Canada is committed to supporting Canada’s agriculture and agri-food community by enhancing the agriculture value chain through global supply chain standards.
For more information on using GS1 standards to improve your supply chain traceability processes, contact GS1 Canada at 1-800-567-7084 ext. 3 or by email at info@gs1ca.org.

Dec. 29, 2009 > Public Health – Researchers estimate that up to 75 per cent of antibiotics employed for therapeutic use in livestock are entering the environment, posing a danger to human health. Beyond Factory Farming, he National Farmers Union and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment are calling on the feds to phase out their use. (Source: NOW magazine, Dec. 2009 )

Dec. 28, 2009 >> Beef Food Industry News – Technomic chief outlines Five restaurant trends for 2010; By Rita Jane Gabbett
Technomic Information Services President Ron Paul sees five foodservice trends that are likely to play out in 2010. He outlined them as follows in the food industry research firm's Foodservice Digest newsletter:

Continued blurring of retail and foodservice. Expect to see even more upscale foodservice offerings from retailers. More supermarkets will open their own restaurants. More c-stores will upgrade equipment and systems to make a play for the foodservice market. Meanwhile, restaurateurs will continue to increase emphasis on takeout and catering. In addition, more restaurants will expand their reach by offering branded retail items.
Destination restaurants. Surroundings and ambiance are playing a bigger part in the way consumers weigh the value equation of a restaurant meal. Even limited-service operators from Burger King to McDonald's to Starbucks are creating more elaborate, lounge-like prototypes.
Discounts and deals. Just as consumers are learning never to pay full price at the shopping center, they've come to expect deals in restaurants. Restaurants at all price points will offer eye-popping deals and combos, increasingly relying on limited time offers, seasonal specials, flavor enhancers and rotating combos to keep menus fresh.
The environment counts. Consumers will increasingly reward restaurants that practice "green" initiatives, treat their employees well and source fair-trade products and humanely sourced proteins.
Social media and technology. As restaurants increasingly turn to Facebook and Twitter to build and deepen interactive relationships with their customers, social media will take on a formalized role. Systems that track product yield, purchasing patterns and speed of service will make operations more efficient and reduce waste along with the cost of goods served. Sophisticated point of service (POS) systems will help operators measure the timing and impact of the guest's restaurant experience.

"As I see it, the high expectations of today's more frugal, pickier customers will be met and exceeded by a leaner, stronger, more disciplined restaurant industry," said Paul. "The standards to which diners hold restaurants will never go 'back to normal.' In 2010, we expect Americans will continue to eat out less than they once did, and demand more when they do visit restaurants."