Ketiz Singh

Why Buying Canadian Goods Matters More Than Ever

Hey there, young readers! Today, let’s talk about the growing chorus for us to buy Canadian goods. You see, with Donald Trump standing firm on his tariff threats against Canadian goods, it’s becoming more important than ever to support our own products.

A Closer Look at Canadian Farms

Imagine stepping inside a sprawling greenhouse in Leamington, Ontario, where thousands of peppers are being grown. These peppers are scheduled to be picked by mid-March. Now, here’s the thing – 80% of what is grown here is shipped to the United States. That’s a huge chunk! Canadian agriculture experts say that it’s simply cheaper for Canada to import produce, and farmers can make more money selling their yield south of the border.

This week, we visited multiple farms and spoke with farmers about what they’re growing and the challenges they’re facing. Let’s visit RightWay Farms outside of Toronto. The family here owns 250 acres and rents another 50 nearby. In this specific region, farmers have had to focus on what turns a profit in both the domestic and international markets.

A Farmer’s Perspective

Farmer Ryan Wright from RightWay Farms shared, “We grow a little bit of everything – corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, barley, hay, and forages for cattle. Last year, we even grew food-grade soybeans for the Asian market. It’s all about making an income and paying the bills.”

However, experts believe it’s time for the public and private sector to work closer together to support Canadian agriculture and create a more self-sustaining food supply. Instead of taking the easy route of importing products from the United States, we need to have a solid plan in place.

The Reality of Canada’s Reliance on US Produce

Let’s take lettuce, for example. Did you know that 90% of our leafy greens are imported, with the majority coming from the US? It’s time to rethink the way we approach our food supply and support our local farmers.

So, let’s make a conscious effort to buy Canadian goods, support our farmers, and create a more sustainable future for our country. Together, we can make a difference!