Why supporting locally made products is important beyond tariffs: non-profit

A Haskap berry orchard at Rosy Farms in Alcomdale, Alta. (Source: Rosy Farms)

The Alberta Food Processors Association says supporting local businesses is important to the economy, regardless of whether tariffs are put in place or not.

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After talks between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump Monday afternoon, tariffs on Canada will be delayed for 30 days.

Bianca Parsons, executive director of the Alberta Food Processors Association, says supporting local businesses and locally made products means supporting our neighbours.

“Supporting local is always a good idea and our companies, in turn, are very philanthropic. They give back to local charities, they care about their community,” Parsons told CTV News Edmonton on Monday.

With tariff talks on the minds of people and their purchasing choices, Parsons says this is an opportunity for people to find out what’s made and grown in Alberta.

“We have award-winning strawberries that are available in Alberta that people might not always look for but they exist.”

With vertical farming and greenhouses, the province is able to grow vegetables that might otherwise be imported. Supporting local can also mean making different choices when you’re shopping.

“Whether you’re at the grocery store or a farmer’s market or at a restaurant, you should be asking, ‘Hey, excuse me, is anything local on your menu?’” Parsons said.

The non-profit represents over 300 member companies in the province. Here are a some Edmonton-area brands that you can support, instead of buying from the U.S.:

Food

Wilhauk Beef Jerky

This Leduc-based company makes delicious beef jerky using 100 per cent Alberta beef. The Wilhauk family has been in the meat business since 1965 and sells jerky, sausages, pepperoni and other meat products.

Sherwood Park Soups

If you’re looking for a hearty meal without effort, these soup kits by Sherwood Park Soups are a no-brainer. The bag comes with all the ingredients you need and you just need to add water and dinner is ready to go, soup-er easy.

Chocolate Escapade

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, buying locally crafted chocolate instead of a candy bar from a gas station could win the heart of someone close to you. The beautifully decorated desserts can be tasted in a chocolate bar, truffle or bonbon.

Beaver Creek Honey

There’s nothing better than a teaspoon of honey in a cup of peppermint tea in the winter. Beaver Creek Honey is based in Sherwood Park and offers a variety of flavours, including smoked honey and iced honey.

Pet products

Kookeez Dog Treats

If you’ve ever questioned what human treats you can share with your furry friend, these dog treats are no doubt safe and tasty for them. They offer various flavours and even a gluten-free option.

Wiggle and Chomp

While snacks for humans come in fun shapes, so do these treats for your dog. These handmade dog treats are made in small batches and “with love” in Edmonton.

Beverages

The Colombian Coffee Bar & Roastery

If you’re looking for a local alternative for your morning cup of joe, the Colombian will transport you to South America. While they get their beans from their family farm in Colombia, they’re roasted here in Edmonton. You can buy their coffee at six locations in the city.

Rosy Farms

If you’re looking for an alternative to orange juice, Haskap juice might be up your alley. Rosy Farms says it is Alberta’s “only organic Haskap orchard.” The berries are grown and juiced in the province and unpasteurized. Haskap berries are dubbed “the super fruit of the north” and full of antioxidants.

Black Diamond Distillery

St. Alberts’ first-ever craft distillery has everything from vodka, liqueurs, whiskey and gin. The family-owned business even offers non-alcoholic craft cocktails for those looking for a drink without the buzz.

Tea Boutique

The Edmonton-based tea company offers hand-blended loose leaf teas, tea accessories and curated tea kits. Choose from dozens of flavours - everything from matcha, black teas, herbal teas and caffeine free teas.

If you’re looking to shop for local products beyond food and beverages, Buy Local YEG has curated an online marketplace so you can find everything from clothing to books to jewelry, home decor and health and beauty.

Parsons says the trade war is putting some businesses in a tricky situation as the solution isn’t always to buy or not buy a certain product.

“If we look at the ingredient level of what someone has purchased to be able to make their final product, sometimes these ingredients are coming from the (U.S.) and they can’t change that because they can’t change their packaging and their recipes,” Parsons said.

Made in Alberta has a full catalog on its website of locally made products you can purchase.