The Districts of Algoma, Manitoulin and Sudbury might see the day where more food is sourced locally by area producers.
A study released by the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) finds there’s strong interest in having various foods sourced locally.
Some of those food products include sweet corn, carrots, cucumbers, pork and wheat flour.
The study shows that locally grown food not only supports the economies of the three Districts, it’s also of a higher quality and a growing number of customers are requesting more locally sourced food.
The study found that in the past, businesses and organizations haven’t bought locally sourced foods because of higher prices, there’s not enough of it and the availability is inconsistent.
On the other side of the coin, producers say if businesses and organizations adjust their procurement practices at certain times of the year, they can supply some of their food needs with food grown in the areas.
RAIN is now looking at developing an action plan to help expand the market for producers.
One of RAIN’s recommendations is to have a delivery system created so producers can get their products to the businesses and organizations.