Survey on the Definition of “Local” Food

Sustain Ontario is seeking your input on how and if we should define “local” food.  The survey will take 10-20 minutes of your time.  All input is welcome until September 20th [previously August 23rd] and will be aggregated to feed into a letter to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

On May 10 of this year, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency greatly expanded its definition of local food. Historically, the CFIA has defined local food as food produced within 50kms of where it’s sold or food originating within the same local government unit (e.g. municipality) or adjacent government unit.

The new interim policy, however, has expanded that definition to include food produced within the province in which it is sold, or within 50kms of the province of origin.

This abrupt redefinition has caused concern across the country, as consumers and producers grapple with the potential outcomes. As a movement, locavorism has espoused the merits of a smaller supply chain; a reduced carbon foot print; the potential for fresher, healthier produce; and the economic benefits of buying locally sourced products. But what exactly constitutes “local” and who should define it is still a complex question.

The CFIA is currently responsible for the administration of food labelling policies related to misrepresentation and fraud with respect to food labelling (e.g. nutrition fact tables), packaging, and advertising. It is also responsible for regulating the safety and quality of food sold in Canada.

Likewise, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) conducts extensive marketing programs for Ontario farm products both domestically and internationally (e.g. Foodland Ontario promotions).

Beyond that, a host of “buy local” programs exist within the province. Local branding initiatives such as Savour Stratford and Taste Real Guelph market regionally specific products. Meanwhile, organizations such as Local Food Plus offer sustainability certification for Ontario farmers. Examples abound of stakeholder initiatives that exist outside the realm of government, offering consumers vital information about the products they choose to buy.

Included below is a brief survey for Sustain Ontario members.This survey is designed to empower Sustain Ontario to accurately represent our members’ views to CFIA during the food labelling review process. Please complete the questions below to the best of your knowledge, and provide brief written feedback where you think it would be helpful. The answers you provide will form the basis of the feedback that we offer to CFIA on their role as it relates to defining “local.”

To learn more about the issue before filling out the survey, read here.

PLEASE NOTE: If you do not fill in the participant details, your input may not be included in our final analysis.

NB: Questions proceeded by an asterisk are required to complete the survey.

Survey written and prepared with assistance from Matthew Landry, Grace Babington, Areeta Bridgemohan and the Sustain Ontario advisory council.