Farmers, politicians support Manitoba-grown food

Meeting at Legislature to promote local produce

The message was simple – Manitobans should support Manitoba producers.

A Dec. 1 meeting – dubbed Farmer Appreciation Day – at the provincial legislature to discuss ways of promoting and honouring local producers attracted speakers from farm organizations, two political parties and even a chef, who said he tries to feed guests at an upscale local hotel nothing but locally-produced meals.

“In my profession, I’ve lived in five different provinces. In each province, I try to use products that are grown locally. We have to be careful what we choose – where it’s coming from,” said Jason Gower, executive chef at Winnipeg’s Delta Hotel.

“One of the things that happens in food these days is that you don’t know where it’s coming from...how it’s transported, where it’s transported from. As much produce as we can get locally, we will do.”

Gower said his experience with local producers has been positive in the sense that he can call them in an emergency and receive the food he needs in a few hours.

David Rolfe, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), said the reason farmers need recognition is because, despite their essential role in the lives of Canadians, they’re often overlooked.

He said people can live without luxuries and technology, but food is essential.

“We can’t live without food,” he said. “Try eating a computer hard drive for lunch. That’s why we’d like everyone to ask where their food comes from, to try to eat local foods.”

Among the politicians in attendance, Hugh McFadyen, leader of Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives, said the promotion of local produce is a rare occasion when members of all parties could agree.

“I should have gone into farming if I wanted to do something really respected,” said McFadyen.

“Farmers and producers are respected throughout our society as tremendous contributors. I grew up in St. James, and growing up, I thought food just came from Safeway or Sobey’s, but now I know where it’s from.”

McFadyen, along with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives minister Rosann Wowchuk praised local farmers as second to none on the national and international stage.

“We know Canada is world-renowned for excellent food quality and Manitoba farmers are leading the pack,” said McFadyen.