Locavore News by Elbert van Donkersgoed
Posted: August 10, 2009
Categories: Food in the News / News from Sustain Ontario
Perspectives on good food and farming
Eat local, says farmer
His grandfather didn’t think about eating locally. That’s just what you did. It’s all you had. But for Stewart Skinner, a sixth-generation hog farmer from Listowel, it’s top of mind, and it should be to consumers all over Ontario and Canada, the 25-year-old says. Chatham Daily News story.
New mill a boon to farmers, consumers
A Manitoba company’s plan to build a flour mill just north of Guelph is being hailed as a boon to farmers, consumers and the wider community. “I think this is a tremendous opportunity for local producers,†said Henry Van Ankum, a Mapleton farmer and director of the Ontario Wheat Producers’ Marketing Board. “Any time we can market our grain direct to a processor it’s money in our pocket because we save on transportation costs. “It’s exciting for us and good news for consumers, because it means less miles on every loaf of bread.â€Â Guelph Mercury story.
Tomato processor finds the sweet spot
A third-generation tomato processor, Thomas says simply, “I like to support local and we’re trying not to waste anything.” It’s the starting point that led to the development, back in the 1980s, of an in-house “sustainability program” that employs a grading system assessing everything from crop rotation and no-till systems to weed and disease management, water use and harvest practices. The model proved so sound it became a precursor to the now-popular Local Food Plus (LFP) third-party certification system. Toronto Star story.
Preston Farmers’ Market Catching On With The Local Cambridge Neighbourhood
It’s year two and already the market is taking root with hyper-local residents (that just means that they are from the immediate neighbourhood…not that they’re at all hyper.) However, fledgling Preston market goes beyond the hyper-local consumer as there were shoppers there yesterday from Galt and Hespeler. After all, a market on Thursday means one more day of the week where people who happen to be breezing through Preston can get their hands on “Fresh” local produce. is another Neighbourhood Market project originating from Waterloo Region Public Health. Cambridge Now story.
Public vote rewards leading eateries, offers food trend insights
The winners of the I Love Food Awards for 2009 have been announced, with sushi bar Zushi in Sydney’s Darlinghurst claiming the top honour as Australian’s favourite eatery. Over 100,000 votes were tallied in 16 categories by the Lifestyle Food Channel, with the awards offering an insight into current food trends. A trend toward local was also acknowledged, as consumers embraced companies that sourced produce from their local area. Australian Food, Melbourne, Victoria, Australiastory.
Let Nature Feed Your Senses (UK)
Let Nature Feed Your Senses is a Big Lottery Funded Project (through Natural England’s Access to Nature Programme), which aims to encourage disabled and disengaged groups to develop a life long love of nature. The project is run in conjunction with the Sensory Trust. LEAF’s role is to set up eight regional networks of participating farmers who are able and willing to offer suitable venues for group visits. LEAF will use a mixture of venue types but a high proportion will be LEAF farms and there is remuneration available for farmers who get involved. Linking Farming And Environment website.
Of Course It’s Fresh: The Chef Grew It
It is near midday, and the parking lot of the Harvest Moon Inn is empty. Stanley Novak’s shift as chef is hours away, but he has been working already, cutting the grass on the restaurant’s five-acre property, taking particular care around the rows of some 300 heirloom tomato plants, the cucumbers, the raspberries, the eggplants and other crops. He has been weeding, too, in the raised beds stuffed with salad greens and herbs. New York Times story.
Retailers ‘to be forced to sign up to ombudsman scheme’ (UK)
The Commission formally recommended the establishment of a watchdog to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on Tuesday (4 August) after retailers refused to voluntarily sign up to an arbitration scheme. It also published final plans for an updated Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) to address concerns about the relationships between suppliers and retailers. Farmers Weekly Interactive story.
CFSC’s 13th Annual Conference this October 10-13 in Des Moines, IA
The Community Food Security Coalition’s annual conference is back better than ever. Join 750 of your colleagues for the nation’s primary food systems networking and educational event in Des Moines. The conference includes four days of inspiring presentations, scintillating workshops, fantastic networking opportunities, delectable local eats, and fun field trips around the state. This year’s conference will include a special one day gathering of state and local food policy council organizers and practitioners on Saturday, October 10. Website.
Julia, Judith and me: a recipe for success
Julia Child and I have something in common: We both cooked dinner for the fabled cookbook editor Judith Jones. Stanley Colbert is a former literary agent and head of HarperCollins Canada writing in the Globe and Mail.