This Thanksgiving, CFA urges Canadians to support their farmers and buy local

(OTTAWA) – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is urging Canadians to support Canadian farmers by sourcing Canadian products and produce when filling their shopping carts in preparation for Thanksgiving.

“Canadians have much to be thankful for in this country not the least of which is a safe, affordable and abundant domestic food supply,” said Laurent Pellerin, CFA 1st Vice-President. “When buying Canadian – you are not only supporting an industry you are supporting Canada’s economy.”

Canada’s farmers form the foundation of an industry whose benefits reach far beyond individual farms.  Its renowned primary agriculture sector is one of Canada’s largest employers, generating eight per cent of the Gross Domestic Product.

“When you buy Canadian you are re-investing in industry-led and voluntary initiatives such as on-farm food safety programs, environmental farm plans and animal care codes of practice,” added Ron Bonnett, CFA 2nd Vice-President.

Agriculture is a key industry for Canadians, for its contribution to the economy, for its role in sustaining rural communities, for food security and for its contributions to health and the environment.  It is in all Canadians best interest to ensure the industry remains strong and continues to contribute to the benefit of all Canadians into the future.
“Canadian farmers feed our cities,” said Pellerin.  “This Thanksgiving remember to buy local and let our farmers help feed your families.”

About the Canadian Federation of Agriculture
Founded in 1935 to provide Canada's farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest farmers' organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations, national and inter-provincial commodity organizations, and cooperatives from every province. Through its members, CFA represents over 225,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.