Saskatchewan’s farmers are the backbone of our communities, working tirelessly to provide us with fresh, high-quality products. Supporting them goes beyond just buying local food—it’s about sustaining our economy, protecting the environment, and ensuring the future of farming in our province. Let's talk about why we should all support them, and how that looks for Saskatchewan residents today!
Why Should You Support Local Farmers?
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. There are a lot of reasons we should make sure farmers here in Saskatchewan are getting the support they deserve after all the hard work they put into everything they produce. Here are just a few of those reasons!
- Supports local economy. When we choose to buy from local farms, we help keep money circulating within our communities. This not only strengthens the financial health of our local farmers but also creates jobs, supports related businesses, and fosters economic resilience. By prioritizing local agriculture, we're investing in the future of Saskatchewan's economy, ensuring that it stays robust and sustainable for generations to come.
- Keeps the farms running. Farming is a challenging and often unpredictable industry, and consistent local demand provides the stability farmers need to support their operations, invest in better practices, and plan for the future.
- Environmental impact. Local farms often have smaller carbon footprints compared to large-scale operations, as they typically use fewer resources for transportation and rely on more sustainable practices. By choosing locally grown produce, we reduce the need for long-distance shipping, which cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions.
- Better for you. Local products don’t need to be preserved to travel long distances, meaning they are more natural and healthier! When you buy from a farm in our province, you can confirm their practices to know exactly what you’re putting in your body.
- Better taste. If you’ve ever had a taste of produce that was just harvested, you’ll know the difference in taste can be drastic! Fresher tastes better most of the time, so choosing a local farm means you’re getting the freshest products you can get.
Are you convinced yet? These are just a few of the many reasons why supporting local farms is beneficial for all!
How Can You Support Local Farmers?
So, now that you know the why, let’s talk about how you can show your support!
- Shop at local farmer’s markets. Many Saskatchewan farmers make it easy for you to enjoy their fresh products because they bring them right to your cities and towns! Check for your nearest farmer’s market and make sure to visit anytime you can.
- Order directly from farms if possible. Some farmers will give you the chance to order straight from them, and they might even deliver! Search online, or chat with the farmers at the farmer’s market to find out who can offer direct ordering. Ask them about ordering your meat in bulk as well—a freezer full of fresh protein is truly something special!
- Check the labels in grocery stores. There are many grocery stores that will sell items they sourced from local farms, so check if this is shown on the label of items you are buying! These simple choices can make a big impact.
- Visit U Pick farms. Saskatchewan has so many great options for this, and it’s a fun outing for the whole family to go pick your own produce!
- Pick farm to table restaurants. Some local restaurants might be making the choice to source their ingredients from local farmers. Try and find these restaurants wherever you live and choose them when you’re heading out for a bite to eat! This does two things: supporting a local farm and supporting the local business owner who runs the restaurant!
- Look for local CSAs. This stands for Community Supported Agriculture, and many farms take part by creating boxes or bags of produce that you can either pick up or have delivered to your home! They’ll fill them with fresh items that you’re sure to love.
- Spread the word. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, and social media followers about the great farms you choose to support! It’s amazing how one person’s recommendation can spread to so many others, and your local farmers will be thrilled to see you share your support.
- Ask them! Do you have a local farmer you can chat with? Ask them how they want to be supported! Don’t know any of them yet? Well, head to the farmer’s market and introduce yourself—it’s never too late to establish that relationship and find out what they need from their community.
CAA Saskatchewan is proud to be part of a province that is home to so many hard-working, dedicated farmers. We hope as you celebrate National Farmer’s Day today, you are thinking about your next step to show your support so we can all help our province thrive!