FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Buy Local tour wraps up this weekend after a full summer of fairs, festivals, farmers markets and farm visits.
Final events for the province's tour will include the Sackville Fall Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, with Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp participating in activities and walking the parade beside the van.
On Sunday, the tour will partner with the Fredericton Accreon Fall Classic run to highlight local and healthy food options for runners. Healthy and Inclusive Communities Minister Dorothy Shephard will be on hand to fire the starting pistol for the 10 km race at 8:45 a.m.
Healthy and local food options will be provided by Chef Sean of Real Food Connections, along with Bleuets NB Blueberries, and Northumberland Cooperative Dairy.
“This summer tour has shown us that New Brunswickers have a keen interest in supporting our agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries sectors,” said Olscamp. “I have been impressed with the interest and support shown not only by consumers, but also by farmers, fishermen, local businesses and organizations involved with promoting local food.”
During the summer, the Buy Local van visited 35 communities around the province, from Fredericton to Shippagan, Grand Manan to Edmundston. The van made stops at about 100 events, agri-tourism and seafood sites, and at many local businesses. Although the tour was organized by the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, it also worked closely with the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture to promote local food experiences linked to tourism; and with the Department of Healthy and Inclusive Communities to promote the health benefits of eating local food.
“Buying local food is a way for consumers of all ages to understand where our food comes from and how it is produced,” said Shephard. “This can lead to healthier choices and stronger communities, now and in the future. Good nutrition is a key part of wellness. The provincial government is working to improve access to healthy food, and empower people to make healthy choices.”
Although the Buy Local Tour is wrapping up, the provincial government will continue to support the development of local food markets, local food tourism experiences, and healthy lifestyles though partnerships, departmental programs and project assistance.
As the fall harvest comes in, New Brunswickers are also encouraged to continue to support local food.
“An increasing amount of local and value-added products are available year-round,” said Olscamp. “I encourage everyone to continue to ask questions about where their food comes from and support our local producers.”