Locavore News by Elbert van Donkersgoed
Posted: September 16, 2009
Categories: Food in the News / News from Sustain Ontario
Perspectives on good food and farming
From Kraft to Craft: Innovation and Creativity in Ontario’s Food Economy
There is a buzz around food, and Ontario has the opportunity to be at the forefront of food innovations. Not long ago Ontario food had a reputation for being bland and tasteless, nothing more than fuel to shovel down at working-day breaks or the dinner table. But times have changed. Many Ontarians have become interested in food again; in the ingredients, in the quality, and in its health benefits. They are also interested in food’s capacity to embed local jobs and shape a place’s social, environmental and economic sustainability not only through local, organic and biodynamic farming, but through processing and distribution practices that reduce carbon footprints by reducing waste and conserving soil, energy, water, and farmland.Report author, Betsy Donald will be speaking at The Future of Food: Sustainable Supply Chain Strategies, September 18, 7:30-11:30 am, Innes Town Hall, 2 Sussex A, Toronto. Organized by the Canadian Urban Institute. Information and registration on the CUI website.
Society wants more from farming than food
Clean water delivery, bioenergy, high-quality niche products, health and wellness, land stewardship, food security and food sovereignty — those are among the many demands society places on modern farms. But are farmers prepared for the challenge? Are they being paid accordingly. Owen Roberts column in the Guelph Mercury.
Knowledge Insider: Consumer trends
What do consumer trends in food markets mean for your business? Learn how you can take advantage. Explore: a) the impact of changing demographics; b) demand for functional foods and nutraceuticals; c) changes to regulations based on food safety, traceability and sustainability; d) the rise of niche products into the mainstream; e) shifting consumer roles and expectations; f) effects on Canadian agriculture; g) success stories from other industry entrepreneurs. Farm Credit Canada report. (2.40 MB PDF) Can also be accessed by section on FCCÂ website.
Make Meal Preparation Quick and Easy This September
As we bid the summer goodbye and usher in the fall season, many of us must also readjust to work, school and extracurricular schedules that leave little time for meal preparation. Busy fall schedules can reduce the amount of time you have to prepare weeknight meals, but it doesn’t mean you need to compromise on taste and nutrition. Save those time-consuming ‘gourmet’ recipes for the weekend and create quick and simple dinners in under 20 minutes with Homegrown Ontario’s Fast Weeknight Meals. Homegrown Ontario website.
Peach crop losing proposition
Peaches, peaches everywhere, but not a single processor in Ontario. That’s the dilemma facing growers across the province this year. And, according to veteran fruit farmer Hector Delanghe of Delhaven Orchards, it means the canned peaches that will be used in pies and cakes will likely come from off shore. Chatham Daily News story.
Touring Ontario’s West Coast
Many Huron County travellers are just passing through, en route to the Great Lake, with its sparkling waters and sandy beaches, but there’s every reason to stop and taste the local bounty. You’ll enjoy good food, drink and treats in abundance once you shift into park. Huron boasts it is “the most agriculturally productive county in Ontario.” Toronto Star story. Famous for pork and corn, Huron County has much more – from herb gardens to apiaries – to please the palate. Taste of Huron map.
Greenbelt Fresh Online Marketplace
If you’re a farmer/grower in Ontario’s Greenbelt region, the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation along with the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance and the Greater Toronto Area Agriculture Committee (GTAAAC) are asking you to add your farm profile to the Greenbelt Fresh Online Marketplace. Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation Newsletter, September, 2009.Website.
The U of T Farmer’s Market
Today is a big day at UeaT. The University of Toronto Weekly Local Farmer’s Market is back!! Drop by between 2:30pm and 5:30pm today (and every Wednesday) to enjoy fresh, local veggies, breads, honey, cheeses, and more. As an added bonus: some of the farms at the Market are LFP Certified. Blog UeaT.
Savour Ontario
The Savour Ontario Dining program was developed in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, and is part of the Pick Ontario Freshness initiative. The program is designed to promote fresh, high quality Ontario foods and to make them the preferred choice of consumers, retailers and restaurants. Premier issue of newsletter. (PDF-.5MG)
Simcoe County Nutrition Network e-bulletin
This is the second e-bulletin from the Nutrition Network sent out to update the community on some local initiatives. Its members represent local agencies, community groups and interested individuals who pool resources and share ideas to reduce barriers to healthy eating. We act on issues that affect food supply, individual food access, limited food budgets or preparation skills. All bring ideas, commitment, energy and expertise to projects that make a difference in their communities.E-bulletin.
AND in case you have not visited this website
Food in Real Life
Preaching truth to packaging. Pictures of packaged food, cooked to specifications, compared to the photo on the box.Website.