Made In Alberta THE NEW LABEL FOR SHOPPING LOCAL

There’s a new label in town, and it’s attracting a lot of attention. In reality, this is about more than one town, and the attention is well deserved. The newest label on shelves is Made in Alberta, a voluntary program introduced by the Alberta government to help identify locally made products. For the province’s food and beverage producers, the label is a way to assure customers their item is Alberta-made. Whether at the farmer's market or in a store, the label shines a light on what’s made in our own backyard making it easy for us to choose local.

The labelling program is a significant step towards promoting and supporting locally made food and beverage products in the province. Made in Alberta is administered by the Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA), a non-profit organization established in 1974, that represents all segments of the province’s food and beverage producers. It’s the voice for more than 250 food growers, processors, retailers, foodservice buyers, and suppliers on matters pertaining to promotion of the Alberta food processing industry. At a time when the online world is at our virtual doorstep, finding ways to help consumers support local food growers is something that aligns nicely with AFPA’s mandate.

The Made in Alberta program was created by the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, recognizing the importance of supporting local food production and promoting Albertamade products. “This new voluntary label celebrates the safe, high-quality agricultural and food products that Alberta is known for here and around the globe”, says Minister Nate Horner. “It will help consumers more easily identify Alberta products so they know their hard-earned dollars will stay in our province and support other Alberta families.”

As a voluntary program, the Made in Alberta label means those food producers who apply for it are choosing to put extra effort into getting their products into the hands of those of us looking specifically to support local, whenever and however we can. The “Made in Alberta program provides opportunity for our members, including growers, producers, and processors”, says Eric Haak, Boar Chair of AFPA. “By promoting the diversity of Alberta-made products, we can create new opportunities for Made in Alberta companies to grow their businesses and connect with consumers who are looking for locally sourced food and beverages.”

When we hear about food security and supply chains, larger-scale manufacturers in distant places often come to mind. What can we as individuals do to affect change in such a large and complex equation? Well, the choices we make each day can help strengthen our own supply chains and help support communities close to home. The Made in Alberta labelling program helps to create a more sustainable and resilient food system in the province while supporting local businesses and economic growth.

“When you support local you support your neighbour”, says Bianca Parsons, Executive Director of AFPA. “Our members are incredibly philanthropic; supporting them by purchasing a Made in Alberta product also supports our community. It’s not just about the delicious product – these businesses are the ones that donate to local charities and give back to kids’ sports teams. Buying Made in Alberta helps these businesses employ more Albertans and that creates a stronger Alberta for everyone.”

Association members are enthusiastic about the partnership between the Alberta government and AFPA. “We are thrilled to be part of the Made in Alberta program”, says Paige Wolfe of Peace River Honey in Guy, Alberta. “Our location in the Honey Capital of Canada is rooted in everything we do, and we are proud to showcase that.” The program demonstrates a clear commitment to promoting locally made products and supporting the agriculture sector in Alberta.

The impacts of this program have an even wider reach, like ripples on a pond. “Choosing locally made products also has environmental benefits”, explains Parsons. “When products don’t need to be transported long distances it reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.” Part of creating a sustainable and resilient food system includes looking at how we physically move goods to service; local products travel a shorter distance to get to our shelves and into our homes.

When we buy from a local business, we see the direct impact of our actions. “Red House Salsa is excited to be part of the Made in Alberta campaign”, says Mary Burch of Red House Salsa in St. Albert, Alberta. “When customers choose to support a local business, they create a positive spending loop that enables everyone in Alberta to thrive. Supporting local farmers and agriculture helps hard working Albertans stay in business, find stable jobs, and boosts our economy.”

Overall, the Made in Alberta program is a significant initiative that supports local growers, producers, processors, and consumers. By promoting locally made food and beverage products, the program helps build a sustainable and resilient food system in Alberta while providing new growth opportunities for local businesses to thrive. Be sure to look for the Made in Alberta label on a shelf near you.