Saskatchewan Co-op food stores will carry more than one million pounds of local produce, according to a Federated Co-operatives press release.
The release says that figure represents a 66 per cent increase over last year.
"The success of our Grown at Home initiative last year proves our members and customers have an appetite for high-quality, fresh and local products," said Ron Welke, vice-president of Food at FCL.
"As a result, we're expanding this initiative, making more Saskatchewan produce available and helping to grow the province's horticulture sector. We're committed to investing in our communities, driving the local economy here at home."
In 2013, Co-op launched the initiative in partnership with the Prairie Fresh Food Corporation, a group of 16 Saskatchewan producers. Last year, Co-op purchased 340,000 kilograms (750,000 pounds) of fresh vegetables including sweet corn, cucumbers, beans, cauliflower and carrots under the Home Grown Saskatchewan brand.
FCL says this year, Co-op is targeting 567,000 kilograms (1.25 million pounds) of locally grown produce. There will be 22 products grown on 250 acres, up from 15 products on 80 acres last year. The expanded offerings include kohlrabi, garlic, creamer potatoes, wheat and lentils.
The availability of products will be based on producer supply and weather conditions and will vary in the 114 Co-op food stores throughout the year. Radishes and rhubarb are already available in participating Co-op food stores, with baby carrots, dill, cucumbers, beets and kohlrabi in stores by the end of July. FCL says products will continue to be stocked in stores on a seasonal basis until December.
Learn more about two local producers participating in the initiative at www.grown-at-home.ca.
