Should Alberta Define and Celebrate Local Food?

Official title: Local food engagement

Closed Legislation Agriculture & Food Economy & Jobs
Alberta asked residents how to support the growing local food industry. The government wanted input on defining 'local food,' creating a Local Food Week, and setting standards for organic products sold within the province. This consultation led to the Supporting Alberta's Local Food Sector Act, passed in May 2018.

Why This Matters

Shop at farmers' markets? Care about knowing where your food comes from? This shaped how Alberta defines and promotes local food. The $1 billion local food industry affects farmers, vendors, and anyone who buys Alberta-grown products.

What Could Change

The Supporting Alberta's Local Food Sector Act was passed on May 30, 2018. It officially defines 'local food' as food grown, made, or harvested in Alberta. It created a Local Food Week and established a Local Food Council. Organic products sold within Alberta now must meet federal certification standards.

Key Issues

  • How should 'local food' be defined in Alberta?
  • Should Alberta create a Local Food Week to celebrate the industry?
  • Should food safety training requirements be enhanced for farmers' market managers and vendors?
  • Should federal organic certification requirements apply to organic products sold within Alberta?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. The engagement took place in early 2018 and gathered input from Albertans and local food industry stakeholders about proposed legislation.

What Happened

The Supporting Alberta's Local Food Sector Act was passed on May 30, 2018. The legislation directly reflected stakeholder feedback, including setting standards for local organic food, designating a Local Food Week, and creating a Local Food Council.

View Final Decision

Key Documents