CALGARY- The organic food movement is great for consumers willing to spend more, but it’s proving to be a challenge for some producers.
The 2011 census found while total farm area slipped, the average size of farms increased by nearly seven per cent. That means the traditional family farm is giving way to farm corporations.
Kris Vester from Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farms says there is no middle ground anymore.
“In order to be a farmer you have to be very big and own thousands of acres to raise grain on, or you have to be very small,” Vester says, adding producers need to change for the industry to grow. “The sooner we approach it in a public policy and social good way, the better we will be able to create a food system that’s sustainable and good for everybody in the future.”
A Calgary food writer suggests that consumers who want local or organic produce should educate themselves by asking tough questions of the right people.
“Know your grower, come down to the farmer’s market, talk to the people who are selling the product,” says John Gilchrist. “Ask if they grew it and find out as much as you can about it.”
Vester adds it’s important for consumers to do their homework.
“Don’t just look at the label and assume that everything is as it appears to be, but ask questions of the actual farmer if you can and foster those sort of relationships where you can ask that question.”
Canada does have regulations about organic products, but they’re not strongly enforced.
-With files from Amber Schinkel
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