Safe, fresh, more nutritious, eco-friendly food program fosters stronger local economy

VINELAND, ON, March 24 /CNW/ – Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (“Vineland”) is pleased to announce the initiation of a “Local Food” project that supports and links local food growers, producers and suppliers directly with local food buyers to ensure that the public has improved access to high quality, locally grown food – whether it be through local grocery stores, restaurants or farmers’ markets. The project will start with a Niagara Local Food Pilot.

In identifying the value of locally grown food, Vineland’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee established a sub-committee to initiate and facilitate the project.

“Locally based food production and distribution systems are important for several reasons,” said Jim Brandle, CEO of Vineland. “They provide the public with access to fresher, more nutritious foods, promote local agriculture by keeping food production close to home, support and create local jobs in agriculture and food processing, and build stronger local economies and communities And they minimize our ‘carbon foodprint’ through the reduction of fossil-fuel used in the trade and transportation of food.”

The concept and the benefits of locally produced food are gaining in popularity throughout the agriculture industry. Advancements in research, innovation and technology present an increasing number of options to improve the availability of locally produced foods.

“The “Local Food” initiative will link producers directly with buyers to accelerate advancement and ensure that Ontario consumers are provided with easier, more frequent access to fresh, safe, nutritious, high quality, locally produced foods,” said Donald Ziraldo, Chair of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Board.

Joining Vineland to support the Niagara Local Food Pilot initiative are the Vineland Growers Cooperative, the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, Local Food Plus, Zerofootprint, OnTrace Agri-food Traceability, Green Rewards™, the Niagara Culinary Trail and the Regional Municipality of Niagara.

Fifteen local growers as well as St. Davids Hydroponics have already committed to participating in the program by signing up for certification under the Local Food Plus program. Vineland has committed to facilitating the pilot project and has provided the funding to engage a coordinator responsible for the administration of Local Food Plus grower certification.

Niagara growers, food producers and buyers are encouraged to contact Vineland (www.vinelandontario.ca) or Local Food Plus (www.localfoodplus.ca) to participate in the Niagara Local Food Pilot program.

About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Located in the Niagara Region, the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is a not-for-profit corporation. It is currently in the process of significant renewal and revitalization as result of a Federal and Provincial government, and industry led initiative in 2007 to create a world-class research institution and international hub for horticulture and ornamentals research, innovation and commercialization. Created in 1906 through a gift by M.F. Rittenhouse, the Vineland Research Station has contributed to the emergence of a competitive horticulture industry in one of Canada’s most unique geographic regions. It is accredited with the development and release of over 150 new varieties of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants, as well as numerous production techniques and post-harvest technologies.

About Local Food Plus

Local Food Plus (“LFP”) is an award winning non-profit organization that brings farmers and consumers to the table to share in the benefits of environmentally and socially responsible food production. LFP opens new and higher value markets for farmers and processors who meet LFP standards. Contact: Mike Schreiner, 416-699-6070, ext. 223, Mike@localfoodplus.ca, www.localfoodplus.ca

About OnTrace Agri-food Traceability

OnTrace is a not-for-profit corporation, created to lead food traceability programs and initiatives in the province of Ontario. OnTrace’s goals are to deliver traceability solutions that will enable the agriculture and agri-food industry in Ontario to become more innovative and competitive, and; to strengthen the capacity of industry and government to manage and respond to emergencies related to agriculture and food. Contact: Brian Sterling, 519-766-9292, Fax 519-766-1313. For media kit and further information, visit: www.ontraceagrifood.com

For further information:
Donald Ziraldo, Chair, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, (416) 520-3555, donald@ziraldo.ca, www.vinelandontario.ca