Ottawa-area producer Paul Dentz grows strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes and apples on his farm.
Now, there’s an alternative way to get his farm-fresh fruits and vegetables other than farmers’ markets.
Loblaw Companies is promoting Canadian-grown products like Dentz’s in its stores through its Grown Close to Home initiative.
“I think this is wonderful,” said Dentz, a full-time grower for more than 30 years.
“I have to sell my product, too, and I live in a small rural community. I would need many, many, many farmers’ markets to handle my product.”
Benefits of buying local include freshness and less carbon footprint, Dentz said.
“There’s been a trend towards locally grown products,” said Frank Pagliaro, VP produce at Loblaw.
“I think it’s always been there, but there’s been a resurgence.”