It’s sad to learn that Nova Scotians are eating less locally grown food now than they did a decade ago. But even more troubling is the probable correlation – that less produce is being grown in the province.
A joint study by the Ecology Action Centre and the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture released Tuesday shows that in 1997 about 17 per cent of the money people spent on food went to farmers in the province. The amount as of 2008 was more like 13 per cent.
It would indeed be valuable to know the dynamics behind this ebb. Certainly it’s important to turn it around.
Oddly enough, we were less conscious years ago about the importance of a regional breadbasket than we are now. In fact, the recent flourishing of farmers markets in towns and villages across Nova Scotia is part of the realization that the ability to feed a population – and to support its farmers – is vital.
In discussing this study, co-author Marla MacLeod makes reference to the potential to cut down on greenhouse gases by eating food grown closer to home. She said of 60 items looked at in the study, they were transported, on average, 4,000 kilometres.
While the ‘grown-locally’ movement has gained momentum from the weekend markets, consumers buy a great deal of their food from grocery chains. It would be wonderful to see more local produce sold there, but it’s not simple – they have to have large guaranteed supplies year-round.
Still, as realization grows, so will demand, and we can hope to see more consumer pressure on the chains to, as much as possible, include local products.
The overall, long range issue is filled with implications: such as producers not able to make a reasonable living, which can ultimately translate into loss of arable land to development. It’s a vicious cycle that can’t be allowed to continue.
Food security in any given area is vital. Our loss is a gain to areas that support their agriculture – and are only happy to ship it for a captive price.
