[getsmart-l] Fw: [Discover Local Food] Drive to buy local could save CanGro: Ziraldo

[John O'Gorman]

Drive to buy local could save CanGro: Ziraldo
Posted By Tiffany Mayer

April 10, 2008

St. Catharines Standard - St. Catharines,Ontario,Canada

It's a cause in need of some political will. 

And the man pushing for it is hopeful it will help give a St. Davids cannery at risk of closing a way to survive. 

Donald Ziraldo has called on the Region to table a "buy local" resolution championing Niagara's agricultural products. 

The wine magnate and chairman of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre said in an e-mail that the initiative, which complements the work of the centre's subcommittee promoting local food, will be a show of support for Niagara's economy and farm community. 

"(It's) primarily to create public awareness and have consumers reading labels to ensure it's local, such as VQA," Ziraldo wrote. 

The hope is if the Region passes a local food resolution, Niagara's 12 municipalities will show solidarity by passing their own. 

In addition to reminding consumers to show some loyalty at the grocery store, it will inspire municipalities to get local food into their cafeterias and served at municipal functions, Ziraldo explained. 

He would also like to see local governments establish permanent spots for farmers' markets where there are none, expand community gardening programs and partner with the public health department to incorporate messages about the merits of local food in its healthy eating programs. 

They're initiatives being undertaken elsewhere, including Seattle. That city is also creating a local food policy council to further the cause. 

In doing all of this, Ziraldo is optimistic it will help facilitate a deal to save CanGro Foods. 

The St. Davids fruit processor is at risk of being shuttered if it's not sold. The province is currently mulling two proposals from separate buyers wanting to save the plant, but they require financial backing from QueeAdvertisement

The proposals involve creating a strictly Niagara brand of processed fruit and juice at the factory. 

"(We're) keeping our fingers crossed," Ziraldo wrote. 

Regional Chairman Peter Partington wanted the local food resolution tabled at council Thursday night. 

"It's a good idea," Partington said. "Certainly the concept is talked about .... This is an opportunity to formalize that message, at least from the Region's point of view, to support the tender fruit industry." 

Like Ziraldo, Partington said he sees several opportunities for the Region to supply local food in its cafeterias and promote the message of local eating through Public Health department programs. 

"We need to support it not only in words but in deed, too," he said.

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