Locavore News – Ontario by Elbert van Donkersgoed
Posted: January 7, 2010
Categories: Food in the News / News from Sustain Ontario
December 31, 2009
Committee nixes fruit wine bill
An Ontario government committee today defeated a private member’s bill to allow fruit wineries to sell their products at farmers’ markets. Conservative MPP Bob Runciman, who represents Leeds-Grenville, says the five Liberals on the Legislature’s regulations and private bills committee voted against each clause of the proposed bill during a review. “They didn’t explain why. They didn’t even really speak to it. They just voted against it.†The committee also has two Conservative and one NDP member. Runciman, who proposed the bill, says the Liberals sent their chief whip to the committee to ensure the bill was killed. The chief whip isn’t normally on the committee. Better Farming story.
Toronto’s Mexican Revolutionary
To understand why Mexican food is so near and dear to Chef Jose Hadad’s culinary heart, you need only listen to one particular story of his: “When I was a kid [in Mexico], I remember my dad would wake us up at seven to get some traditional lamb tacos and broth. My brothers and I would be grumpy because it was early and Dad would say, ‘Come on guys – they’re going to run out of tacos by ten thirty!’ And then, sitting down in a street stall, eating, I would say, ‘Wow! If this is so good, imagine when I go to cooking school and learn Italian and French food!’ And while I’m glad I did, nothing has ever satisfied me more or touched my soul like that food, and those memories,†Hadad happily reminisces. Edible Toronto story.
Bradford Farmers’ Market back for 2010
In two years, the Bradford Farmers’ Market tried two different models, with mixed success. But there was enough enthusiasm, and positive input from the vendors, farmers and the Town, to schedule a meeting and plan a new direction for Year 3. For 2010, the BWG Office of Economic Development has stepped in, and plans to work with the Holland Marsh Growers Association to use the Market as a showcase for local produce and local farms, offering a venue that will bring together growers and consumers. Bradford West Gwillimbury story.
Buying local can take some pressure off the planet
One way that we can all cut down on our carbon dioxide emissions this holiday season is through buying local foods for holiday celebrations. A study done by the Region of Waterloo Public Health Department found that, of 58 commonly imported foods, the average distance they had traveled was 4,497 kilometers. The emissions for these imports are approximately 51,709 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Aside from produce, our commercial meat industry accounts for approximately half of all greenhouse gas emissions in our food system, according to Pat Murphy, author of Plan C: Community Survival Strategies for Peak Oil and Climate Change. This is because of the high input of energy necessary to maintain grain-fed, factory-raised livestock. Free range, pastured animals are not only treated more humanely, but have access to low impact sources of foods: insects, grass and grubs. Guelph Mercury opinion of Amelia Meister.
NCC to redevelop heritage farm
The National Capital Commission has received $4.8 million to restore and redevelop part of an historic Gatineau farm once owned by Philemon Wright, founder of the first settlement in the national capital region. The 96-acre Moore Farm extends from Gatineau Park to Alexandre-Taché Boulevard in Gatineau. Ottawa Citizen story.
City thinks spring with garden initiative
t’s a long way from growing season, but city council decided this week to get behind a push to establish community gardens in Guelph. It’s just a no-brainer, I think, that people should be able to grow food in their community†and that there should be public places to do this, says Coun. Vicki Beard, a gardening enthusiast who worked with local groups pushing for community gardens. Guelph Tribune story.
Eat Local London
I am a converted city girl, who has always been interested in the health of her environment. I moved out to the country – just north of London, Ontario in 2007 and have been trying to source local food ever since. Because I sometimes have found it a difficult process, I have decided to make this blog to help anyone else out there that may share the same interest in eating locally. Blog.
Earth’s commitment to local is laudable, but you can’t eat commitment
And now it’s Earth, a sleek, austere room all black and grey, with black tables, napkins and walls, smooth grey banquettes and chairs and cool white chandeliers in various shapes and sizes. “Think Global. Eat Local,” says the marquee over the door. Do we feel preached to? Just a titch. Ho’s commitment to local, sustainable ingredients is laudable, but you can’t eat commitment. The menu is the (now) classic meat-heavy tour of Ontario’s artisanal producers. Globe and Mail story.
Take a Fresh Look at Ontario
Ontario has the most diverse agri-food industry in Canada. From cut flowers to car parts, we are growing new ideas. We have the resources and the people-power to build agri-food excellence. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairsvideo.
Limestone quarry threatens prime farm land
It has been three years since John Lowndes began quietly approaching landowners in and around Melancthon Township, an idyllic stretch of rolling fields radiating out from the town of Shelburne, north of Orangeville. Since then, under the banner of the Highland Companies, he has accomplished that goal, acquiring more than half of the roughly 15,000 acres of arable land in the area and a couple of its largest potato farms, Downey’s and Wilson’s. Some of Lowndes’ new neighbours were suspicious, however, that Highland – backed by a $14 billion hedge fund out of Boston called Baupost Group – wasn’t all about potatoes. Toronto Star story.
AND if You Have Time
Carl Warner, Food Landscape Photographer, Gets a Book Deal
Carl Warner, famed food landscape photographer, has landed a “nearly six-figure†two-title deal with Abrams Image, a publisher of art and illustrated books, reports Publishers Weekly. It’ll be really great to Warner’s work presented in book form, since his iconic works tend to float around unattributed online. He’s also done a series of live action television commercials for Hortex, a Polish company that makes frozen foods and fruit juices. Videos.