“Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the conversation around food security was once again brought into the limelight,” says Tannis Baker, co-creator of Alberta on the Plate and partner at Food Tourism Strategies.  “Recognizing and understanding not only where your food comes from, but also the impact that supporting local farms and producers has on our economy is vital to ensuring our national food supply.  Alberta on the Plate is pleased to be partnering with the Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Milk, Alberta Wheat Commission and Egg Farmers of Alberta to celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day and the amazing farmers and producers who have dedicated their lives to this industry.”

The Agri-Foods industry in Alberta accounts for $9.2 billion of the provincial GDP (approximately 2.7% of all industries). In 2019, Alberta saw the highest farm cash receipts of all Canadian provinces ($14.8 Billion), and generated $15.8 Billion from Food & Beverage Manufacturing. Alberta is the third-largest exporter of agri-food products in Canada, including both primary commodities and processed goods.  The province also leads the country with over 40% of the national herd of cattle and calves, and produces 32% of Canadian wheat.

Consumer support of local agriculture comes in many ways — through mainstream grocery, local farmers’ markets and the growing segment of processed foods that utilize homegrown products.  The restaurant industry is seeing an increase in support of locally sourced ingredients, from small, independently owned restaurants right up to large hotel chains.