FREDERICTON (GNB) - The provincial government's 2014 Buy Local summer tour is officially back on the road.

Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp made the first stop with the Buy Local vehicle this morning at the Dieppe Market.

"We are excited to once again be on the road in partnership with those in the agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries sectors to promote the benefits of buying local," said Olscamp. "One of the focuses of this year's tour will be to share the different reasons we heard from people last summer as to why buying local is important to them."

Olscamp said some of the reasons expressed during last summer's tour by New Brunswickers were:

●    Ensuring their money stays in their community.
●    Strengthening local communities by supporting local farmers and fishers, who then spend their money with local businesses.
●    Supporting and creating local jobs. New Brunswick's agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries sectors create nearly 20,000 full time jobs and contribute more than $2 billion to the provincial economy.
●    Local food is fresher and tastier than food shipped long distances.

The Department of Healthy and Inclusive Communities is a partner in the Buy Local initiative.

"Buying local food is a great way to understand where our food comes from and how it is produced," said Healthy and Inclusive Communities Minister Dorothy Shephard. "This can lead to healthier choices and stronger communities, because good nutrition is a key part of wellness."

This year, the specially-decorated touring vehicle features five New Brunswick siblings who are involved with 4-H along with seafood, fruit and vegetables, and value-added products such as maple syrup and jam. The summer tour schedule includes markets, fairs, festivals and special events.

"As the New Brunswick population ages there is a need to facilitate the entry of beginning producers with a strong skill and knowledge base into the farming industry," said Linda Porter, executive director of 4-H New Brunswick. "Our 4-H program is a natural fit to do this as we provide our members with those skills.  We promote agriculture as a viable occupation to young people and provide them with access to programming that will develop their skills to use the technology needed in today's agriculture industry resulting from all the advances being made in science and innovation."


17-05-14