Locavore news by Elbert van Donkersgoed
Posted: February 11, 2010
Categories: Food in the News / News from Sustain Ontario
February 10, 2010
Tougher rules threaten local meat industry with extinction
The owner-operators of Mogk’s Custom Killing and Butcher Shop south of Tavistock are awaiting a crucial meeting Monday with a food safety inspector they fear could close them down. Ken Mogk, 73, who has been operating his small abattoir for 20 years, said if he is required to do all of the things a food inspector is demanding he will have no choice but to go out of business. Stratford Beacon Herald story.
OCA President Says Producers Need Strong Partnership with Consumers
The President of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association says the future security of beef producers will come from forging a strong partnership with the province’s consumers. Gord Hardy made the remark in his speech to the recent Beef Industry Convention in London, hosted by the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association. To help the build the partnership, Hardy says Ontario beef is about to receive a promotional boost from a deal signed by Cattlemen’s Association and Foodland Ontario. CKNX Radio Wingham story
Brule Creek Farms – Locally-milled Flour
Brule Creek Farms is the only stone-milled flour producer in Northwestern Ontario. It is owned and operated by Jeff Burke and Andrea Delarosbil. We started farming in the spring of 2008 in the township of Conmee, just west of Kakabeka Falls. We mill both our own grains and grain purchased from other local farmers using heritage techniques with a modern spin: our grain is ground between granite stones spun by an electric motor. We mill flour on a weekly basis to ensure that our customers enjoy the freshest product possible. Brule Creek Farms flour is unbleached and contains no additives. Farm website.
Markham’s bold proposal is suburbia’s salvation
The land-use rebellion now unfolding in Markham is another skirmish in the war against the development industry. At stake is who controls growth – government or industry? Christopher Hume writing in the Toronto Star.
Perth Beef Producer to Push Marketing Strategy At OCA
The former President of the Perth County Beef Producers is seeking a role at the Provincial level. Bill Jeffrey plans to put his name forward for a Director’s position at the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association annual meeting at the end of the month. He says he wants to see if producers are interested in a new marketing strategy. Jeffrey says immediate changes are necessary to save the industry. Jeffrey says he wants to see if producers are interested in moving forward with a “single desk selling mechanism” to make the beef industry profitable again in Ontario. He adds he hopes to be in the running for a Director’s position at the annual meeting of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association later this month. CKNX Radio Wingham story.
Training board wants local farmer input on industry
An employment training board wants area farmers and people working in agri-business to give their views in a survey about dramatic changes taking place in their industry. The Grand Erie Training and Adjustment Board is sending out surveys to people working in six agricultural sectors in area counties. Haldimand recipients are receiving their copies first because that county’s economic development department is supporting that component of an agricultural analysis project which GETAB intends to carry out across Brant, Norfolk, Oxford, Elgin and Middlesex counties. Simcoe Reformer story.
Virtual Farmers’ Market a Success
The Ottawa Valley Food Co-operative (OVFC) connects consumers with local area producers using the Internet. This local food system increases profits, improves distribution efficiency and reduces food miles. “The OVFC started in 2007 when a small group of like-minded people came together to look for ways to address the concern over decreasing numbers of local area farms and to find ways to reduce their food miles,†explains Christina Anderman, OVFC coordinator. “We were fortunate to connect with Robert Waldrop of the Oklahoma Food Co-operative, who pioneered the virtual marketplace concept. He also generously shared his software for free with other interested groups.â€Â FarmCentre.com story.
Local Food Movement Growing In Owen Sound
The local food movement is gaining ground in Owen Sound. The ‘Around the Sound’ market was on 1st Avenue West. But Owner/operator Anne Findlay-Stewart says she needed more space so she’s moved to 6th Street East. ‘Around the Sound’ sells locally produced fruits, vegetables, baked goods and some prepared foods. Findlay- Stewart says people can know they’re getting good wholesome food. Findlay-Stewart says she tries to be fair to producers so customers might pay a premium. Findlay-Stewart says with the extra space she now has in Owen Sound, she plans to put in a community kitchen for cooking classes and demonstrations. CKNX Radio Wingham story.
New Projects Supported By Ontario Market Investment Fund
Provincial support for marketing projects is feeding people’s appetite for local food and strengthening rural economies. To promote the local foods that support the people, communities and economies of rural Ontario, the Province is investing in eight new projects through the Ontario Market Investment Fund. Details in OMAFRA backgrounder.
Local Harvest
Foodlink Waterloo has posted a new issue of Local Harvest featuring BARLEY and a local farm profile on WINTERMAR FARMS, a grower and processor of seeds and grains. Newsletter.