The province is giving $5 million to the Alberta Food Processors Association to launch and run a Made in Alberta food labelling program.
In a news release, the association and the government touted the program as both a way to boost the profile of makers of food products and help keep grocery dollars in the province.
“This program helps consumers and producers work together to easily identify the amazing products that are made right here in Alberta,” said association chair Eric Haak.
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“By choosing a local product, you are not only helping the business but the community as a whole.”
To qualify for the label, food makers must either use ingredients “raised, grown, or sourced in Alberta” or, if using ingredients from outside the province, “the final substantial transformation” must be done here, according to the association’s Made in Alberta website.
So, for example, imported coffee beans would count as an Alberta product if they were roasted and packaged in the province.
However, products ”processed and substantially transformed outside the province and returned here for sale” wouldn’t qualify. That means a sausage company could source pork from another province and qualify for the label if the sausages were made in Alberta, but a company making sausages outside the province wouldn’t qualify, even if it was using meat from Alberta hogs.
Members of the food processors’ association will be keen to sign up for the program, said Haak.
“Our members are proud of what they grow, produce and process and are excited to increase their local coverage in our province.”
The website will start listing products once food companies sign on, and one already has — Red House Salsa, a maker of artisan salsa located in St. Albert.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of my valued friends, family and business connections all within my Alberta community,” owner Mary Burch said in the release.
“I look forward to presenting my product with the Made in Alberta label and showcasing the hard work I have put into my business as an Albertan.”
The website has an online application form for food producers that want to use the label.
