The Farmers’ Market of Nova Scotia says buying local isn’t just the flavour of the week and that supporting local businesses is essential all of the time.
In a statement, the non-profit says building robust, local economies ensures we have the necessary infrastructure to meet community needs when challenges come up.
“Our food system’s fragility is currently being exposed by the threat of tariffs, but this isn’t the first time alarm bells have rung. From 2016 to 2021, our province lost over 20% of its farms. 80% of the grocery industry in Canada is dominated by just five companies, the largest of which has a history of price gouging, betraying consumers and exploiting producers. Climate events continue to disrupt food transportation, and in a crisis, grocery stores could run out of stock in two days.”
During the pandemic, the farmers’ market says, they had a surge of customers in the pandemic, and although they are grateful for that, they need sustained commitment to survive.
They are calling on the province for a massive investment in local food infrastructure.
“If more investment and food sovereignty policies were established in previous years, imagine the more resilient foundation we could have, especially for our province’s food deserts and food insecure households.”
The Farmers’ Market of Nova Scotia says if you have the resources to choose where to spend your money, start now.
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