Locavore news by Elbert van Donkersgoed
Posted: December 14, 2009
Categories: Food in the News / News from Sustain Ontario
Perspectives on good food and farming
Fruit wineries get their day in Queen’s Park
A private member’s bill allowing fruit wineries to sell their products at Ontario farmers’ markets is headed to a provincial Legislature committee for one hour of public hearings later this month.
The Legislature’s regulations and private bills committee will hold hearings on Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Only six delegations are allowed and presentations are limited to 10 minutes each. From Noon to 1 pm, the committee will review the bill clause-by-clause. Members of the all-party committee study and vote on each section of the bill and propose amendments. Better Farming story.
Winery takes flight
With the aid of two state-of-the- art wind machines, a luxury Long Point winery will take flight next fall. Burning Kiln Winery is the latest addition to an ever-expanding eco empire being built along Front Road, outside of St. Williams. The 20-acre vineyard is located across from Long Point Eco-Adventures — an ecotourism venture belonging to local entrepreneurs Mike McArthur and Dave Pond. The pair has teamed up with area farmer Frank Deleebeeck for their journey into growing the traditional vinifera varieties of grapes. As these European grapes cannot withstand the Canadian cold, the trio consulted with Dr. Tony Shaw, a Brock University climatologist. He suggested investing in two swivel wind machines that will prevent frost from strangling the vines. The machines will mix air from 55 feet above the vineyard and air from ground level to raise the vineyard’s temperature. Simcoe Reformer story.
Turkey Farmers ease outdoor restriction for organic producers
Turkey Farmers of Ontario will allow organic producers to raise turkeys outdoors. The Organic Council of Ontario used a postcard campaign this fall to enlist Ontario Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky’s help in changing a May 2008 Turkey Farmers policy requiring all turkeys to be raised indoors. Turkey Farmers had introduced the policy to mitigate the risk of Avian Influenza from wild birds. It didn’t apply to farmers with flocks under 50 turkeys. The amended policy requires conventional turkey producers to raise birds indoors but exempts organic producers from this requirement. Better Farmingstory.
O.F.A Delegates Told Time For Citizen-Farmer Alliance
One of the speakers at this year’s Ontario Federation of Agriculture convention suggested there are different kinds of consumers out there for farmers’ products. Margaret Webb says the fastest-growing segment is the one she calls the food aware group. Webb told the delegates now is the time for a new alliance between citizens and farmers. Webb is a freelance writer who contributes agricultural articles to a number of publications including the Toronto Star. CKNX Radio website.
Campus cuisine has changed: Dorm cooking, more dining options
Once upon a time, eating in a college dorm meant soup in a hotpot or delivery pizza. The most interesting thing about the campus dining hall was often the salad bar. No more. These days, college students have gourmet palates and a growing interest in preparing their own food. Mini-refrigerators and microwaves in dorm rooms are as essential as laptops. Chefs drop by dorm kitchens to give lessons, and dining halls provide takeout containers and ingredients for kids who want to cook their own meals. Associated Press story on MetroNews.ca.
Young Urban Farmers shows us how to cheat at backyard farming
Most urban foodies would love to grow their own organic spinach, but most of us barely have time to stop at Sobeys on our way home from work. Recognizing Torontonians’ collective lack of time (read: laziness), three recent business grads started Young Urban Farmers, a service that turns clients’ yards into produce departments. For $155, YUF plants a vegetable garden of the customer?s choosing, then builds a shelter to keep out the raccoons. For $495, they’ll weed, water and even harvest the bounty. This means that naughty hosts can claim their organic salad greens are from their own garden, without ever lifting a spade. Toronto Life story.
Fifth Town Artisan the big cheese
Fifth Town Artisan Cheese of Prince Edward County was the big winner at the British Empire cheese competition. The contest is the largest of its kind in Canada and this year — its 82nd — drew entries from across the country. Fifth Town, located southeast of Picton, won 10 top-three awards. They included the grand champion specialty cheese title for its Cape Vessey goat-milk cheese. Belleville Intelligencer story.
Township savouring new food policy
In June, the Township of Oro-Medonte approved a local food procurement policy, the first for Simcoe County, Mayor Harry Hughes said yesterday. “I know that other municipalities have those objectives, we are the first to formalize it,†he said.Posted on the Sustain website.
Foodies gather for Fiesta Buckhorn
Every year about 3,500 people from all over Ontario and beyond flock to the Buckhorn Community Centre for Fiesta Buckhorn, now in its 14th year. On Saturday, Konrad Ejbich, a CBC radio host and wine expert, have people advice on what wine to buy and how to compare varieties. Throughout the grounds 60 different vendors showcasing 74 different products. Peterborough Examiner story.
The season of locavores and homebodies
As the recession takes its toll, more and more people are turning to their homes and their own kitchens for comfort. Cookbooks follow trends and this year’s books fall into two broad categories. The “cook at home†books have lots of tips and techniques, with recipes that are easily accessible but may be time-consuming. Globe and Mail story.