W.I.’s work - good for us all

The effort by the Women's Institutes of Nova Scotia to study and promote the “buy local” concept is indicative of that group's long history of public service and personal and community improvement.

The province's agricultural industry has been battered by the pork sector's continuing woes and an announced reduction of poultry processing. The vegetable sector took a hit in recent years when Avon Foods shut down.

Nationwide, agriculture is facing natural and market perils.

The W.I. began in Canada in the early decades of the last century to advocate for farm and domestic reform. It has since spread internationally.

Nationally, the organization's objectives are to, of course, provide a nationwide voice for the provincial groups, provide leadership promoting agriculture and other community living aspects, and develop responsible citizens.

The W.I. has been in Nova Scotia for more than nine decades, and is a powerful voice here in Kings County.

The provincial W.I.'s Buy Local Challenge survey was compiled by Dr. Steven Dukeshire and Renee Garbes of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College's Rural Research Centre. W.I. members had distributed the survey and attended public events and fairs to help gather data. More than 2,400 surveys were completed.

Participants strongly prefer locally-produced foods, buying it whenever possible and making it a priority. The survey shows people believe buying local products is good for our economy, provides fresher food, helps the environment and supports local agriculture.

But - consumers surveyed felt they had less control over identifying local products, and that it's more difficult to get it during winter months.

Survey participants also strongly agreed with government buying more locally-produced foods.

Drawbacks to the survey include an uneven distribution around the province - mostly in areas and at events in which participants would have more interest in the subject.

The will is there. But will it all work?

W.I. of Nova Scotia president Ellen Simpson has said the W.I. wants to see the government and business sectors incorporate more local products in their operations. As well, they would like better identification of locally-produced foods.

Acting Agriculture Minister Ron Chisholm has acknowledged the importance of having a choice, and the availability of having locally-produced food. He notes the responsibility we all have of ensuring access to and visibility of the province's products.

We know public awareness of agriculture - as well as many other aspects of rural life - are at al all-time low in this country. The pressures of urbanization, globalization and corporatization of the business sector are the cause, as well as individually perceived self-interest.

Taking the initiative, the W.I. has shown what can be done, and that people will respond. They will need help; the awaarenes struggle has only begun.

Hopefully, other rural and farm and small community organizations in the province will catch on and start reclaiming the public's attention - for all our good.