Local growers get provincial support

"Getting access to that money is a nightmare," says Gisèle Proulx of Cumberland's Proulx Farms, which produces everything from maple sugar to sweet corn. "It's good that it's there, but let's see what happens."

On April 6, the province unveiled a three-year funding commitment to promote the fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products of Ontario-based farmers in institutions like schools, jails and hospitals. Making the announcement, Premier Dalton McGuinty indicated that while the push would mean extra costs for public sector institutions, the province is willing to step in financially.

But for Proulx, there are still numerous factors discouraging local growers. The timing of the funding announcement is one point of frustration, she explains, suggesting the winter season is better suited for paperwork and other administrative tasks from an agricultural perspective. Another is the potential length in time before actually receiving financial support, Proulx continues, pointing to the delay in funds promised in the wake of the 1998 ice storm.

Such monetary support "is more of a political thing," she says, recounting her experiences with the application process for government funding in the past, finding it frustrating and expensive. "I always look into it … but a lot of the time, that's why I don't even bother (taking it further)."

The "unbelievable" amount of red tape involved – including both time and money spent – mean the larger concentration of produce farms in southern Ontario are more likely to benefit, Proulx suggests, adding that smaller, less-established farms will also be left out in the cold.

Though whether the money provides a competitive advantage for local growers remains to be seen, "every little bit helps," continues Ottawa-Orléans MPP Phil McNeely, pointing to the dual benefit of public institutions promoting healthier, fresher menus and helping residents break out of the habit of buying imported foods. "We'll see what the impact is, but I think it's more long-term."

The east-end agriculture niche most impacted by the announcement will likely be dairy farmers, he says, with the area boasting a low concentration of farms focused on produce like fruit and vegetables, which also have a shorter season.

The funding is "a good investment to make," McNeely adds. "The message is getting out to buy Ontario-grown food. The agriculture industry is huge – 700,000 people. The more we can buy locally the better."

Though Proulx Farms currently sells to a couple local restaurants, implementing a shift towards vending to particular locations would be a major task, says Proulx. "I don’t know if we would or not because that's very specialized," she continues, citing the need for refrigerated vans and other equipment. "It's definitely a different market. I don't know if Ottawa is made for that."

Though area schools would be the easier institution to partner with directly, Proulx adds that even dealing with the advent of invoicing – a far cry from their current upfront payment method, which keeps costs down – would be a big change for the farm. For now, she continues, the operation will maintain its focus on selling onsite, as well as at local markets and roadside stands. "It would change Proulx Farms drastically," Proulx suggests. "(The government funding) is not made for farmers; it's made for business."