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'Explore Local' targets the home field advantage for agriculture | |
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| | February 2, 2010
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New initiative supports regional market expansion
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Edmonton… The Alberta government’s new Explore Local initiative helps local farmers and industry in “capturing Alberta’s home field advantage.”
Explore Local pulls together existing efforts in areas such as farmers’ markets, farm direct marketing, regional cuisine and Ag-tourism under one umbrella.
“Local agriculture and locally-produced food is a rising market force in Alberta and around the world,” said Jack Hayden, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Explore Local presents new growth opportunities for agriculture food products and services in Alberta and helps connect and support the many different people and players involved or interested in Alberta’s local market sector.”
In the province, as in many other jurisdictions across Canada and internationally, local market channels for agri-food products and services are seeing record sales and unprecedented growth. Farmers’ market direct sales in Alberta alone have jumped 30 percent in just a few years – helping push total sales across Canada to over $1 billion.
The Explore Local initiative is in its early stages, with specific strategies taking shape that will evolve by working with industry. But, clear target areas for progress are already emerging, such as supporting new and expanded operations, building awareness and partnerships, and working with industry to address barriers to growth and expansion.
Explore Local: “Capturing Alberta’s home field advantage” is part of Growing Forward, a federal-provincial initiative.
The Alberta government has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. An important part of The Way Forward is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and safe and vibrant communities. For more information about Explore Local visit www.explorelocal.ca
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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Ag Media Line
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To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000. |
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For more information about the content of this document, contact Cathy Housdorff.
This document is maintained by Susan Platt.
This information published to the web on September 3, 2009.
Last Reviewed/Revised on April 29, 2011.
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