Is the Food Fight Flourishing or Floundering?

When I spoke about the "Golden Opportunity" available for dairy farmers, I wasn't alone in my thinking. The recent week has provided a HUGE number of related news stories surrounding the issue of tainted food AND the concept of Local food.

I am impressed that it seems some action is taking place. But on this exploding issue, I have not seen anything in the media about the labelling and proposed, new regulations for cheese. That is not good. I sure hope dairy farmers are taking advantage of this window of opportunity, while it lasts!

There is a lot at stake. Much more than even I thought. We met with friends this week, who happen to live in Stoney Creek. (That is part and parcel of the Hamilton-Niagara belt, home to millions of people.) My friend has been subjected to my wrath about the whole China import issue as it pertains to our food. I wasn't sure she was listening. It turns out she was!

At a recent gathering of professional women, the issue of the cost of fresh local food came up. The subject was asparagus but it could have been any food grown in this country.

Apparently, for much of the winter asparagus was available, imported from the USA and Mexico for $1.49 a lb. The first local asparagus has hit the stores and the price is $2.79 a lb.! This is what generated the discussion she related to me.

So, as the discussion continued, my now very educated friend stated support for the locally grown asparagus, even with it's current price. She also told the other women her reasons ( food safety and not from this country). The conversation then turned to labelling and it turns out that NONE of those women had a clue about Made in Canada!!!! They thought that the "China" label on some frozen vegetables meant the plastic wrapper! I remind you all, that these are well educated, intelligent women. I knew the problem was bad but this blew me away.

Labelling and made in Canada regulations and import labels are obviously not well understood!

I rest my case. If the government can't/won't educate consumers, farmer MUST! It is imperative or they will drown under the imported products coming from other countries.

This also speaks to the issue of labelling for cheese. Dairy farmers must educate their consumers or they will not succeed with their battle on labels and regulations. There must be some profile to this or the message will NOT get out there.

How about fighting fire with fire? The processors have sent an 'open' letter to the Minister. Dairy farmers should emulate them and go one better... a simple, clear cut ad explaining to the public "why" they need this too!