Mr. Speaker, we are all hearing more references to local food, a growing trend in food production and selling. As the name implies, local food is all about people buying and eating food produced in their local area.
There are three reasons people give for buying local food.
Number one is quality. Local food tastes better, offers superior nutritional value and is produced under Canada's world class food safety standards.
Number two is local jobs. By keeping food dollars in the local economy, people can support jobs and businesses in their own communities.
Number three is the environment. Consumers know that the more miles food travels, the larger its environmental footprint. Local food minimizes this impact.
The bottom line is that any reason to buy and eat local food is a good reason.
In the coming months, I encourage everyone to visit farmers' markets and stop at farm gate stands. It may take a few minutes, but I predict that everyone will appreciate and enjoy the local food they buy.
I know that local food is not the solution to every problem facing agriculture, but it does offer good opportunities for farmers in many parts of Canada.