OFA president Bette Jean Crews explains what Food Freedom Day means for Ontario farm families and consumers.

“As farmers in Ontario and across the country celebrate the vital role they play in feeding a growing population, they remain proud of their role in providing food under the highest food safety and environmental standards, and yet Canadian consumers still enjoy one of the most affordable food supplies in the world. Ontario consumers can be confident that from farmgate to the table, the safety, quality and value of Ontario grown food is second to none.”

For Food Freedom Day 2010, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) reviewed food prices over the past 30 years at both the farmgate and retail levels. This research highlighted the work of farmers in ensuring Canadians receive great value for their food dollar. The statistics continue to show the increasing gap between retail price and what the farmer is paid for his or her food.

The Farmers’ Share, a recent study commissioned by Prairie members of the CFA, showed that, on average, only 27 per cent of the cost of an entire week’s worth of groceries for a family of four goes back to the farms where the food is produced. “While prices Ontarians pay for food has been steadily increasing over the past 30 years, the farmers’ share is relatively small,” says Crews.