Canadians Turn to Local Produce Amid Global Trade Uncertainties

Growing Concerns Over Food Security and Costs

As the global economy faces uncertain times, particularly with looming threats of tariffs between the United States, China, and other nations, many Canadians are growing increasingly concerned about the cost and availability of groceries. This anxiety has led some to seek solutions closer to home—literally. Produce growers and small-scale farmers across Canada are stepping up to provide locally grown options, aiming to ease consumer worries and build greater food resilience. For many, this shift toward local production is not just about economics but also about taking control of their food supply in uncertain times.

Local Growers Lead the Charge in Food Resilience

One such individual is Dean Sopher, the founder of Arkopia, a small farm and homestead based in Aberdeen, Saskatchewan. Sopher, whose operation includes growing fresh produce, creating freeze-dried smoothies, and offering homesteading advice, decided to take matters into his own hands after losing trust in the stability of food prices. “I don’t trust anything anymore,” he said. “To be resilient for myself and my family, I thought this was the best route—to literally start a small farm and homestead. And life is greater because of it.” Sopher, who humorously notes that bananas are now the easiest thing for him to grow in Saskatchewan, firmly believes in the benefits of this lifestyle and recommends it to anyone worried about their food security.

Similarly, Ian Pasloski, the owner of IG Fresh Produce in Regina, sees a bright future for local farming. “There’s always the demand for great produce,” he said. “And it’s just one of those things that you can always have more farmers.” Pasloski acknowledges that not every Canadian has the desire or capacity to grow their own food, but he observes a growing interest in buying locally. This trend is evident in the increasing popularity of farmers’ markets and community forums on platforms like Facebook, where people are expressing their enthusiasm for connecting directly with local growers.

The Rise of the ‘Shop Local’ Movement

The shift toward buying locally is gaining momentum, and businesses like Vertical Roots in Edmonton are feeling the impact. Mike Newhook, the owner of Vertical Roots, noted that the "shop local" movement has become even more popular amid the current uncertainty. “We have over quadrupled our private orders per week,” he said. “In our world, that’s massive.” This surge in demand reflects a broader desire among Canadians to reconnect with their food sources and support local economies.

Navin Ramankutty, a professor of food systems sustainability at the University of British Columbia, sees this trend as a positive development. “It’s good for Canadians to think about where our food comes from and just become more aware,” he said. Ramankutty believes that even if Canada cannot drastically increase its food production overnight, greater public engagement with the food system is a step in the right direction. “Even if we can’t increase our production by a huge amount, it’s probably good if people are getting more engaged in the food system and thinking about growing their own,” he added.

Balancing Technology and Trade in Food Production

While local production is an important step toward food resilience, Ramankutty also emphasizes the need for balance. He points out that Canada can increase its self-sufficiency in certain areas, such as leafy greens and lettuce, which can be grown in greenhouses or using vertical farming techniques. However, he acknowledges that some staples, like bananas and avocados, will likely remain imports due to Canada’s climate. “We could increase our production of lettuce and leafy greens,” he said. “We can grow them during the summer. We can grow them in greenhouses. And people are starting to grow them vertically. So we can become more self-sufficient for some things. But I think things like bananas and avocados, we’ll just continue being dependent on other countries.”

This balance between leveraging technology to boost local production and maintaining good trade relationships with other nations will be crucial as Canada navigates the complexities of food security in the coming years.

The Challenge of Accessing Land for Food Production

As more Canadians express an interest in growing their own food, organizations like Just Food in Ottawa are feeling the pressure to meet the demand for resources. Kate Veinot, the organization’s director of operations and neighborhood planning, highlighted the growing need for access to land. “The demand for accessing community garden spaces has been increasing at a large pace, where there’s not enough land access to meet the demand for growing food,” she said. Just Food is working to address this challenge by exploring new opportunities to break down barriers to land access and facilitate food production at both the household and business levels.

Conclusion: A Shift Toward Food Resilience

The growing interest in local food production and the "shop local" movement reflects a broader shift in how Canadians are thinking about their food. From individual homesteaders like Dean Sopher to businesses like Vertical Roots and organizations like Just Food, there is a collective effort underway to build greater resilience in the face of global uncertainties.

As trade tensions and economic instability continue to loom, the emphasis on local production and community engagement offers a hopeful path forward. By supporting local farmers, advocating for better access to land, and embracing new technologies, Canadians are taking proactive steps to ensure that their food supply remains stable and sustainable. This movement is not just about addressing immediate concerns—it’s about building a stronger, more connected food system for the future.