Editorial: Bravo WI for advocating 'buy local'

Consumers want more Nova Scotia products and they want to see retailers and government purchase more Nova Scotia goods.

That’s the latest word from the Department of Agriculture and Women’s Institutes, who are working together to ensure people in this province do what they can to keep the agriculture industry strong and vibrant. If anyone can capture the attention of an often complacent public, it’s W.I.

Thanks to their efforts, it appears that the “buy local” movement is moving full steam ahead, and rightly so.

The findings of a 2,400 person survey released by the Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia on Feb. 21 adds fuel to the organization’s cause. The WI Buy Local Food Survey was distributed at agricultural fairs and farmers markets during 2006.

Ellen Simpson, president of the Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia has been advising consumers to incorporate more locally produced foods into their diet, to become more vocal and ask retailers for more local foods on grocery store shelves and on restaurant menus.

We are delighted and encouraged to see such a venerable service organization, which marks its 94th anniversary this year, adding its weight and substantial influence to the buy local campaign and we suggest that consumers get with the program.

The Institute has made two important recommendations based on the report. One is to see the government and businesses incorporate more local foods at provincially-owned institutions, retail stores and restaurants. Secondly, packaging that clearly shows goods that are locally produced will make things easier for buy local shoppers. In other words, products that are labeled “product of Canada” are not good enough; savvy consumers want to know where in Canada, because British Columbia and Ontario are not local last time we looked.

It warrants asking of our local grocers why apples from as far away as South Africa, in some cases, are taking up space in our stores. A quick survey at Atlantic SuperStore showed at least half the apples on display were grown in the U.S.

The buying guidelines of the larger grocery chains seem somewhat of a mystery. How else to explain why even oranges – clearly not something we’ll see growing in Canada anytime soon even with global warming, are coming from Morocco rather than Florida, a much nearer destination and a strong trading partner.

Why should we hesitate to ask more questions and make more requests of our local grocers? We’re their bread and butter, after all.

Women’s Institutes are dedicated to providing Nova Scotia women with opportunities to enhance quality of life through education and personal development allowing them to meet the changing needs of their local communities. Their involvement in supporting the local agricultural industry is a fine example of the workings of a remarkable institution.