Province developing new label for made-in-Alberta food products
LETHBRIDGE, AB. –– The province of Alberta is supporting economic recovery by helping farmers more easily sell and market their products and there’s a good reason for it.
Food and beverage processing is one of the largest employers in our province’s manufacturing sector, with about 28,000 workers and record food manufacturing sales of $15.5 billion last year. Also, local food sales in direct-to-consumer channels such as farmers’ markets and farm retail, have more than doubled since 2008 and exceeded $1.2 billion last year.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen introduced the new Made in Alberta, by Albertans label at the Millarville Farmers’ Market last weekend and noted it was a work in progress. Dreeshen understands farming, since he farms himself near Pine Lake, and is a strong supporter of agricultural societies.
“We want to make sure e get it right, so we are going to launch a consultation in the coming weeks, to make sure that farmers’ markets, grocery stores, retailers, primary producers, and vendors know that the program is there for them and that it doesn’t get abused. I think Albertans will see a made in Alberta logo and they’ll say – I want to support a local farmer, a local vendor because I know that supports a farm family close to where I live and I think that’s why people want to make that right choice and vote with their wallet.”