FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers are being encouraged to buy local during the holiday season by Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Michael Olscamp.

"In the spirit of the season of giving, I am asking New Brunswickers to give in a way that benefits everyone – by buying local," said Olscamp. "When we buy local, we are providing for the well-being of our families, farmers, fishermen, communities and province."

Olscamp said the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries is committed to helping producers diversify production and improve the promotion and marketing of local food products.

New Brunswick's growing value-added sector is increasing the amount and variety of products available to consumers. The value-added sector is one of the six key sectors identified in the provincial government's Rebuilding New Brunswick Economic Development Action Plan 2012-2016, released earlier this year.

"Innovation in the agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries sectors has meant that value-added products are being developed from our traditional sectors," said Olscamp. "Value-added means we have a locally grown turkey for Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings, including the cranberries sauce, grown and produced in New Brunswick. We can bake with local flour and eggs and add local blueberry sauces and blueberry and maple syrup to our desserts all while sipping some blueberry tea.

"There are also potato chips for New Year's Eve dipping made with local potatoes. Even that glass of milk for Santa can be from New Brunswick."


13-12-12