Alberta farmers can now use ‘Made in Alberta’ label to identify local products
Posted March 26, 2023 1:05 pm.
The Alberta government has implemented a voluntary “Made in Alberta” label program to identify local products.
The program is meant to help the province’s agricultural sector and small businesses to market and sell their products faster.
Introducing the #MadeinAlberta voluntary labelling program to help shoppers identify local products more easily. The program supports our #ag sector and helps producers and processors sell and market products across the province. https://t.co/tNg59Kkiah @AFPA_food #Abag pic.twitter.com/ktpVEx6Yom
— Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (@AlbertaAg) March 23, 2023
Nate Horner, Alberta’s minister of agriculture and irrigation, says the label will help the province’s small businesses.
“This new label celebrates the high quality local agriculture and artisan products that Alberta is known for at home and around the globe,” said Horner.
“It will help consumers find Alberta products, so they know their hard-earned dollars will stay in our province and support other Alberta families.”
Horner encourages people to shop local, as doing so goes beyond boosting Alberta’s economy.
“There are many ways you can support local producers and processors. You can visit local distillers and brewers, stop at your community farmers market, order from a restaurant that serves local food, or shop at the local food section,” he added.
“You’re doing more than just supporting an industry or our economy. You’re directly supporting another family and maybe even learning a bit about where your food comes from and how it was made.”
The project is in partnership with the Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) that will be delivering the voluntary labelling program.
“This is an incredible opportunity for processors,” said Bianca Parsons, the executive director of AFPA. “They can easily identify their products are made here in Alberta and celebrate them in purchasing.”
AFPA was awarded $5 million to deliver the program until May 31, 2027.
For more information and to apply, visit the Made in Alberta website.
The Alberta government asked people to participate in a survey during the summer to collect feedback about the implementation of the program.
Most provinces in Canada have voluntary food labelling programs.
