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In recent months, a growing movement among Canadians has emerged, driven by a desire to support local agriculture and food production in response to U.S. tariff threats. This shift is not just about patriotism; it’s about ensuring quality and sustainability in our food systems.
However, while filling grocery carts with Canadian products may seem straightforward, the reality is much more complex, especially in the middle aisles of supermarkets.
The challenge of labeling
Finding a product labeled as “Product of Canada” can be a daunting task.
According to Michael von Massow from the University of Guelph, the difficulty often lies in the sourcing of ingredients. For instance, a salsa company in Ontario may rely on imported tomatoes during the winter months, despite using Canadian labor and other local ingredients.
This inconsistency means that many products cannot claim to be entirely Canadian, even if a significant portion of their components is sourced locally.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has strict guidelines for labeling. A product can only be labeled as “Product of Canada” if all or nearly all of its major ingredients, processing, and labor are Canadian.
This means that even a small percentage of non-Canadian ingredients can disqualify a product from this label. On the other hand, the term “Made in Canada” allows for more flexibility, as it only requires that the last substantial transformation of the product occurs within the country.
Local sourcing struggles
Entrepreneurs like Sheena Russell, who founded “Made with Local,” face significant hurdles in sourcing ingredients. Her company, which started at farmers’ markets, now supplies major grocery chains, yet she still grapples with the reality that some ingredients, like nuts, must be imported.
This limits her ability to label her products as “Product of Canada,” despite her commitment to using local ingredients whenever possible.
Russell’s experience highlights a broader issue: the difficulty in finding domestic alternatives. For example, when she sought Canadian-grown strawberries for a seasonal flavor, she discovered that the necessary dried strawberries were only available from British Columbia, far from her eastern Canadian base. This kind of logistical challenge is common among small food producers, who often lack the resources to navigate complex supply chains.
The impact of tariffs on sourcing
The looming threat of retaliatory tariffs from the Canadian government has further complicated the sourcing landscape. Companies like Earth’s Own, which produces nut milks, are now exploring alternatives to California almonds, as domestic nut production is virtually nonexistent. CEO Maheb Nathoo emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs, stating that the company must prepare for various scenarios while remaining transparent with suppliers.
As the Canadian government engages with industry leaders to support the food sector amidst these challenges, it’s clear that the integration of Canadian and U.S. food supply chains adds another layer of complexity. For instance, beef production often involves animals born in the U.S. but raised and processed in Canada, making it difficult to determine the true origin of the product.
In this evolving landscape, consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of supporting local businesses. As more Canadian brands adopt the maple leaf symbol on their packaging, it signals a commitment to transparency and quality. However, the path to a fully local food system is fraught with challenges that require innovative solutions and collaboration across the industry.
