MP Dean Del Mastro proudly supports a Peterborough “buy local” program.

November 08, 2007

Peterborough, ON - Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough Riding was on hand today to proudly support a Peterborough “buy local” program. The event, hosted by Morello’s Independent Grocer located at 400 Lansdowne Street East was staged to inform the constituents of the Peterborough Riding that 100% of the beef product sold at the store is either Ontario or Canada grown.

“Morello’s Independent Grocer and its parent company, Loblaw Companies Limited, has taken a big step in support of our farmers and our community by launching the Ontario Corn Fed Beef program.” stated MP Del Mastro. I am a huge supporter of the “buy local” movement and I want all the constituents in Peterborough Riding to know of and to investigate what options are open to them to purchase local products.”

David Morello, Franchise Owner of Morello’s Independent Grocer also spoke to those in attendance, adding; "I'd like to play a part as a local Grocer in supporting local Ontario Farms, which in turn supports our whole community.”

Speaking on behalf of the Province of Ontario, MPP Jeff Leal stated, “I have consistently advocated that one of the best ways that we can assist our local Agricultural Community is for consumers to purchase locally grown products because we all know that their quality is second to none.”

Jim Clark, General Manager of the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association was also on hand to represent the suppliers and stated; “With respect to the “Ontario Corn Fed Beef Program” we are an organization of local beef producers spread out across the Province of Ontario, we are your neighbours and your providers of locally grown agricultural products thus meeting the demand of today’s changing society. Our goals are to get the consumers thinking when they spend their hard earned dollars and we want them to buy local, buy provincial, buy Canadian.Ontario Corn Fed Beef is raised with pride on family farms. Your purchase helps strengthen Ontario and Canadian farming communities. The Ontario Corn Fed Beef Program is a producer-owned and branded beef program.”

Also in attendance were various farmers and representatives of farm-based businesses, all eager to lend their support to this great program and to the “buy local” movement as a whole. “I am encouraged at the progress that we are making in educating shoppers about the excellent products that are produced for them so close to home.” stated MP Del Mastro. “From Ontario Corn Feed Beef to retail, commercial and industrial products, buying local can only help in securing the success of our community.”