HomeMy WebLinkAboutLucknow Sentinel, 2009-03-18, Page 29•
Huron food -to -table program
is an innovative concept
BY CHERYL HEATH Bruce counties' cheese producers, says Fitoussi.
Clinton News -Record Staff "We must protect the small fanner. We must keep them
here " he sa s
The Huron food -to -table program was an innovative
concept when the owners of the historic Little Inn of
Bayfield first brought it forward a decade ago.
In essence, the business's owners thought the restaurant
•should keep the focus on using products and meats from
local suppliers and farmers, wherever possible, rather
than follow the burgeoning trend of using the biggest
possible supplier for the lowest possible price.
At the time, it was a move eyed with suspicion by big
busineth but appreciated by the customers, says business
partner Richard Fitoussi.
And now, says Fitoussi, it is with some joy that the
partners are bearing witness to a resurgent trend by all
levels of government and competing businesses to put the
focus back on local.
To be sure, says Fitoussi,
the stakeholders will have
their work cut out for them —
since it is not an •easy
process.
Indeed, it's Fitoussi'S mis-
sion to seek out new suppli-
ers and the growing list of
local producers includes a Mennonite farmer that grows
vegetables to specifications near Wingham, green and
white asparagus from a Dashwood fann and meat from
Metzger Meats of Hensall, a producer Fitoussi sings the
praises of and especially with the supplier's willingness
to meet specifications for organic meat. He is also
pleased with Coleman farm of Kippen's black-angus
cows.
"We almost know the name of the cow," says Fitoussi
.in reference to how much is known about their meat in
terms of the animals' diet and living conditions.
"The only thing we tolerate is vaccination," he says.
The end result of The Little Inn's efforts is customers
with maximuin appreciation for the food served. •
Fitoussi sees nothing .but potential for Huron County
ftinnprs interested in fatm-gate sales. •
"My money does not got to Toronto. It stays in Huron
County. That's No. 1," he says. He points to a recent
Little Inn -organized cooking class that saw two of the
students purchasing lumdreds of dollars worth of
during a tour of a meat supplier as an example of the pos-
sibilities.
And, he says, an added bonus is a demand ,for more
produce and niche:markets means more work for area
farmers.
The buying locally and fresh trend is growing so wide
that Fitoussi has been asked by the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to speak to chefs and
businesses about the benefits of the practice.
In all, he says, it's good business sense to keep it local.
"It's not the money, it's the flavour," he says. "The cus-
tomers love it." .
"It's a win -win-win," he says, praising Huron County's
Take Action Report, an effort to promote and enhance
various engines spurring the county's economy.
Fitoussi adds he is in the process of promoting an idea
that will see European -style cheese stores springing up
along Highway 21.
From the "blue -vein Bayfield" to the "Goderich ched-
dar," it could well be a plan that will increase tourism to
the area as well as create a niche market for Huron and
Y •
- • A
•
Farm Progress, March 18, 2009 - Page 13
PLANT INC
, . ,• • AP. . •
Corn, Soy Bean, Edible Beans with no till
JD drill, corn and bean planter
Call Stephen Webster
302-824-6136 or 519-523-4304
.r.
DID YOU GET YOUR CORN STALKS TILLED THIS YEAR?
IF NOT CHECK THIS OUT.....
March 24 - 12:00 to 4:00
at McGavin's
UKE TO DRIVE F
'TRASH PLOW •
Amazon() individual disc gons
Traditional gang disc
Two mos Of W shallow =caw discs
are precisely Pored at angles for low soil
irojedory b opiriae soil rnbcing,.irouit
Bow ond horsepower requiremerts,
Each cis( is independently mounted b
tnainterxmce he rubber sprisgs v.ithRut
the use do gong shaft to 011ie& inash
Face seal
built into
conical
seat
•
McGavin Farm Supply McGavin Farm Equipment
Walton, Ontario 1-877-887-6365 or 519-887-6365
www.mcgavinequip.com