LAKELAND - Alberta’s provincial government is pushing a buy local campaign in the wake of the ongoing tariff war with the United States.
Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson announced the campaign on April 14, although he noted “we are pleased tariffs don’t impact the ag industry right now and will keep advocating for our ag industry.”
The campaign includes a voluntary food and beverage labeling program, which has been in place since March 2023, as well as the promotion of local farmers’ markets and a ‘Made in Alberta’ product catalogue that can be searched by product or by location.
“The Buy Local campaign draws attention to these local products, making it easier for consumers to choose local products,” said Sigurdson.
A review of the Made in Alberta website has just three Lakeland region products listed so far: cider from Bonnyville, sausage from Mundare, and coffee from Vegreville.
In order to qualify for the label, unprocessed products like produce and eggs must be “raised, grown, or sourced” in Alberta. Processed food and beverage products may use ingredients from outside the province, “as long as the final substantial transformation takes place in Alberta.”
According to Farmers' Market listings, there are farmers’ markets located around the Lakeland from Tuesday through Saturday.
Tuesday
Vermilion from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bonnyville from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday
St. Paul from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday
Cold Lake from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday
Lac La Biche from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
St. Paul from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday
Smoky Lake from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
