Barriers to Local Food Production, Distribution, and Sale in the Greenbelt

The Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy (CIELAP) produced a report on the legal, regulatory and policy barriers that constrain the production, distribution, and sale of local food in the Greenbelt. Approximately half of Ontario’s fruit farms and a fifth of its vegetable farms are located in the Greenbelt. Identifying barriers will inspire a drive towards recognizing solutions, which will benefit Ontario’s farmers significantly. It is a useful resource for educators, students and the general public on food security ad local agriculture.

Toronto, October 2, 2007 - Do you know where your Thanksgiving pumpkin came from? How about the corn, yams or even the turkey you'll put on your table? A new public opinion poll on food released today by the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, finds that central Ontarians are very concerned about where their food comes from.

Food is essential to our sense of place and our sense of self, but today—as fast food nation meets the slow food movement and eating locally collides with on-demand arugula—our food habits are shifting. The Alphabet City FOOD Festival just completed its run from September 29 to October 20, 2007. Those who were there enjoyed a celebration and exploration of our evolving relationship to the things we eat. But if you didn't quite get your fill, pick up a copy of FOOD, and carry on the feast. In this publication, writers and artists explore the cultural and emotional resonance of food, from the “everyday Dada” of mashed potatoes and Jell-O to the rocket science of food eaten by astronauts in space. Hot dogs at zero gravity. Delicious.

Hiking provides a great source of physical activity anytime during the year. With the help of the LCBO, the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation is pleased to present the Greenbelt Walks hiking brochure and map in which Ontarians are encouraged to step out and explore our living countryside.

The easy-to-use, colourful Greenbelt Walks brochure outlines the Bruce Trail, Trans Canada Trail and Oak Ridges Trail. In addition to these three main trails on the map, there are hundreds of smaller local trails criss-crossing the Greenbelt.

July 2007

Fifty-four per cent of Canada’s visible minority population resides in Ontario. This study explores the barriers that exist for ethnic farmers and interested young farmers to work the land, and to develop market opportunities for farmers in the Greenbelt. [The third installment in the Occasional Paper Series presented by the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.] "Planting the First Seed: Creating Opportunities for Ethnic and Young Farmers in the Greenbelt" by Stew Hilts, Peter Mitchell, Jennifer Asselin and Burkhard Mausberg.

Toronto, September 6, 2007 - Thanks to a $400,000 grant from the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, immigrants to Canada will soon be farming bitter melon, okra, green chilies and sweet potatoes and other ethnic foods in Ontario’s Greenbelt.

Autumn is here and bringing its bounty with it. Celebrate October in the Greenbelt at these festivals and fairs.

October

Some of these dates may be tentative. Please contact the fair to confirm or contact Ontario Fairs for information year round.

Markham Fall Fair 
October 2 – 5 
www.markhamfair.ca 
Markham Fair is one of Canada’s oldest country fairs. It promotes excellence through friendly competition and features various forms of entertainment such as the horse pull, demolition derby, tractor pull, midway rides and displays of farm animals.

Be sure to come to this deliciously ripe festival toasting the wealth of fresh and nutritious local produce at theEvergreen Brick Works. Activities will start at 11am: Participate in hands-on cooking workshops for kids and adults, be entertained with outdoor theatrical performances, check out the chef cook-offs, pick up heritage legumes and herbs to grow in your garden. Oh yea, and you’ll get to enjoy plenty of delicious and nutritious treats. Saturday, August 25, 2007 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Feast of Fields was an afternoon of indulgence on the pastures of Everdale Organic Farm & Environmental Learning Centre, featuring abundant samples of local wines, craft beers and farm-fresh organic delicacies created by top Southern-Ontario chefs. Check it out here!

See and hear the excitement on these two YouTube spots!

Niagara-on-the-Lake, August 6, 2007 - For a taste of the juiciest fruit of the Greenbelt--a Niagara peach--stop by Union Station the morning of Wednesday August 8.