BY
BILL BRADLEY
Valley Growers, Greater Sudbury's largest potato farm with 475
acres in production this year, are adding value to their crop
and jobs to their community, says manager Tami Rainville.
"We're not just growing potatoes. We are directing a whole
agricultural process from field to packaging to processing that
is all based in this community, all done locally," said
Rainville.
"When you buy our product from bagged potatoes to french fry
chips, whether you are a distributor, a store manager or the
consumer, remember this, the dollars you spend on our product
stay in this community.
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"When I consider our lengthy list of suppliers and service providers for our own business, we are using local trades personnel, such as mechanics and electricians, and purchase parts for our equipment from several local companies.
We are buying safety and sanitation products from local
businesses, including the building material for our storage
systems from our local hardware store.
"We are paying taxes to local government that helps maintain
the roads our neighbours drive on."
Valley Growers also hires people directly.
"We are a small business. Only 15 work for us on a regular
basis but that does swell to an extra dozen at peak periods in
our farming operation. There are more jobs in agriculture here
in the Valley than people realize and that is good for nearby
stores and other businesses. And as long as we can compete, and
we are supported by consumers and distributors, we are a
sustainable business," she said.
Increasingly the public is becoming more aware of the value
in parking their food dollars locally.
"Every year I see there is more interest by consumers in
buying locally. What they desperately need is the ability to
have that option available when they go to food stores," said
Rainville.
There is good news in some of the major food chains, she
says. At the local store level, Rainville says she is seeing
local produce managers step up to the plate and support local
farmers.
"I sense that consumers are demanding local produce and that
is giving local store managers reasons to offer more local
produce when in season. I am seeing that all over here in the
Valley and in the central city area. I see tables in
supermarkets with signs saying the cabbage or other vegetables
are from St. Charles or from nearby farming areas. I also see
restaurants stocking local produce. The whole trend to local
food is building, maybe not fast enough for some activists, but
it is happening."
Some restaurants have been supporting Valley Growers a long
time, says Rainville.
"Take Anke and Tony's Seafood Restaurant at the Four
Corners. They have been buying our potatoes for over 25 years.
For them business is about being in a relationship, it's not
only about money. Usually the price of our potatoes can differ
by only a few cents, or 10 cents a bag and sometimes we are
cheaper. What Tony wants, and what he gets by being loyal, is a
producer that he knows is in there for the long haul because we
are good at what we do."
Rainville has some advice for people who want to see more
local food at stores and restaurants.
"People who want more local produce should have a nice dinner at Tony's and vote with their wallets. That how they can make a difference."
