Quebec to spend $500 million to get more people eating locally grown food

Already a national leader in the production of local and organic food, the Quebec government is promising to spend $500 million over the next five years to boost the fledgling industry.

Speaking at a farm inlePerrot, just off Montreal's West Island, Premier PhilippeCouillardsaid Friday the money will go toward increasing exports of Quebec-grown food, expanding processing capacity and encouraging more production in rural areas.

The plan, initially unveiledin last month's budget,is being billed as the government's way to promote Quebec products and encourageQuebecersto buy local.

"We will eat more locally grown products," Couillardsaid. "We'll know more about where they come from. We'll know our producers more, and our children will have contact with Quebec products from a young age."

Nearly$100 million has been allottedthis year for various measures to support the so-calledbiofoodsector.The budget outlined the government's intentionto spend a similar amount annuallyuntil 2023.

More organic farming

The Liberal government intendsto pass legislation before the next provincial election to make sure the plan goes ahead a billis expected to be tabled at the National Assembly next week.

Biofood, as definedby the Quebec government, includes organic farming, but also encompasseselements of the dairy and fishing industries. Using this definition, the government estimatesbiofoodaccounts for eight per cent of Quebec's GDPand is worth nearly $25.3 billion annually.

Figures compiled recentlyby the Canada Organic Trade Association indicate Quebec has the highest number of organic food operations in the country, as well as the most certified producers.

As part of the plan announced Friday, Quebec will take steps to double theterritory set aside fororganic farming.