By Keith Currie, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Few Canadians give their daily food a lot of thought, that’s why on Sunday February 12, Food Freedom Day provides us with the perfect occasion to celebrate what we eat and the farmers who produce our food.

Designated by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Food Freedom Day marks the calendar date when the average Canadian will have earned enough income to pay the entire year’s grocery bill. Canadians enjoy one of the lowest-cost “food baskets” in the world. As a comparison, Food Freedom Day in Iceland is in late February, while in Mexico it doesn’t come until early March.

Canadians enjoy healthy, nutritious and inexpensive food every day, something we should be celebrating more often. In fact, according to the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Canadians only spent 11.8 per cent of their disposable income on food in 2011. By comparison, France spent 13.5 per cent of their disposable income to buy food and Japan spent 14.2 per cent. This data highlights just how important Canadians’ food decisions are to our nation’s economic future. Canadian farmers are producing food that is safe, secure affordable and highest quality.

As Ontario farmers, we take our job of providing food seriously. That’s why, on Food Freedom Day we also raise the importance of securing a sustainable food system to ensure that we continue celebrating this day year after year. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is working closely with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture to develop and implement the National Food Strategy – a long-term approach to ensure a safe supply of Canadian food for future generations. Currently being presented to both provincial and federal governments for consideration, the National Food Strategy establishes a shared strategic vision for our food system that will serve as a clear guide for public policy development and private decision making to secure a sustainable food system for Canada. This vision is outlined in nine strategic objectives that our food system must meet to serve the needs of future generations in Canada as well as the global community.

The National Food Strategy’s objectives and outcomes encompass all aspects of the food value chain – from farmers and processors to distributors and retailers. These objectives include making Canadian grown and processed products the first choice for Canadians, ensuring consumers always have access to safe and nutritious food, to positioning Canadian products as the preferred choice of international markets. For more information on the National Food Strategy and details on the objectives visit nationalfoodstrategy.ca.

On February 12th, take the time to consider where your food comes from, the value of the meal you are enjoying and the quality of food future generations of Canadians will be enjoying on Food Freedom Day. From our farm families to yours, thank you for your role in Canada’s Food Freedom Day!