Alberta is aiding economic recovery by making it easier for farmers to sell and promote their products, and there's a solid reason for it.
With over 28,000 employees and $15.5 billion in food manufacturing sales last year, food and beverage processing is one of the major employers in our province's manufacturing sector. Furthermore, since 2008, local food sales through direct-to-consumer channels such as farmers' markets and farm retail have more than doubled, surpassing $1.2 billion last year.
At the Millarville Farmers' Market last weekend, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen unveiled the new Made in Alberta, by Albertans label, noting that it was still a work in progress. Dreeshen is well-versed in agriculture, having grown up on a farm near Pine Lake, and is a major supporter of agricultural groups.
This summer, farmers, processors, and consumers will be consulted to refine the proposed label and develop guidelines for its usage on various food items. In addition, the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers earned a $81,000 grant from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help fund an online local food directory.