Consumers hold power in food markets

There is dissatisfaction among local farmers when it comes to doing business with the major food retailers, and producers believe the only one able to change the situation is the consumer exercising the power of the dollar.

A group of concerned citizens rallied at one major grocery retailer in New Minas to support local corn producers. The retail chain responded, citing the fact that the store is a major supporter of local farmers and food producers, to the tune of $400 million annually in Atlantic Canada.

Following the response of the grocery chain, a group of concerned Kings County farmers met with a Kings County Federation of Agriculture past president and a reporter from The Kings County Advertiser to express their concerns with the procurement practices of the major food retailers. They agreed to be quoted only on an anonymous basis out of fear of potential reprisal from major buyers.

Regardless of whether there is or isn’t such a danger, the fact that these agrarians felt unable to speak their minds openly is indicative of a problem. However, the major food retailers deserve the benefit of the doubt and we would trust scare tactics or snubbing would not be employed to ensure compliance by suppliers. Business is business.

As pointed out by Kings County Coun. Wayne Atwater, who spearheaded the New Minas rally, all local producers want from the major retailers is shelf space.

Most consumers would probably buy local given the choice, even if it cost a little more. Would it be too much to ask for shelf space in the major grocery stores, even if local producers had to manage the displays themselves? Some food companies have “rack jobbers” visit stores to restock displays and pick up items that didn’t sell. Could the major food retailers give similar consideration to our local fruit and vegetable producers?

The major retailers could see potential liability there, but if they know the source of the produce and know the producer is following guidelines in terms of food safety and quality control, why couldn’t this be a possibility?

The chains could build a mark-up into the price so they make money off their shelf space, and a lot of the overhead costs, including shipping, would be taken care of for them while reducing their carbon footprint. An abundance of customer loyalty could be the pay off.

It’s worth considering.

The major retailers don’t have to carry promotions on outside produce when they know the supply needs of individual stores could be met in the local community within a couple days or weeks. All it would take is a change in approach.

In defense of the major chain that purchases $400 million in Atlantic Canadian product every year, this is a substantial investment in the local economy. However, with a little more flexibility, our major retailers could become champions of the “buy local” movement, further strengthening the Valley economy, food security and becoming even better corporate citizens and neighbours.

We would not suggest consumers boycott major food retailers, but wise choices of where to spend grocery budgets and how, could send a loud, strong message -- and a positive chain reaction could result to benefit our local agricultural industry and the economic wellbeing of our communities.