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Local Businesses Navigate Challenges Amid Buy Local Movement
In the context of potential tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, a campaign to promote ‘Buy Local’ has emerged across British Columbia and Canada. Despite this initiative, local businesses in B.C. are facing significant hurdles in getting their products onto retail shelves.
Bahram Rashti, the owner of UP Vertical Farms situated in Pitt Meadows, expressed his frustration with the bureaucratic obstacles that complicate the distribution of local products. “We didn’t expect that it would be this frustrating and that it would take this long,” he noted, sharing that while they have managed to partner with retailers like Costco, larger chains have not provided the necessary support.
Rashti had hoped that the surge of interest in local products as a response to tariff threats would result in easier access for businesses like his. However, his experience over the last three years suggests otherwise. “It hasn’t happened for the last three years and that just seems to be wrong,” he stated.
Challenges of Selling Locally
In an interesting turn, Rashti mentioned that their products have been well received after entering the U.S. market. “I still don’t understand how it was that much easier to get it down south of the border and still so difficult to get it onto the Canadian retail shelves,” he said, highlighting the perplexities local producers face in their own country.
Rashti pointed out that their offerings are competitively priced, often cheaper than some American imports found in B.C. stores. The provincial government maintains that the decision on which products to stock ultimately lies with retailers. However, they emphasize the increasing consumer demand for local products.
Government Support for Local Producers
Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham acknowledged the growing trend of consumers favoring hyper-local B.C. or Canadian-made goods. “Right now there is such a massive shift in what people are looking at,” she remarked, indicating that the province is enhancing its ‘Buy BC’ initiative and exploring further measures to support local growers.
While the onus is on growers and retailers to develop partnerships, Popham mentioned the government’s role as a supportive ally: “We, as I like to say, can be the wind at their backs.” On the same note, Rashti underscored the need for more local options, stating, “Canadians want to eat more Canadian-grown products.” He believes that government intervention could play a pivotal role in encouraging retailers to offer a wider selection of local foods and processed items.
As the local movement gains momentum, stakeholders are hopeful that increased awareness and support could reshape the landscape for local businesses, ensuring that Canadian products receive the recognition and accessibility they deserve.
Source
globalnews.ca