I have done extensive research on this topic and have connected with farmers, distributors and retailers on this very topic. From the farm perspective, many growers are able to produce the given volumes required but the market is catering to low prices and ultimately, subsidized imports.

One initiative which saw limited success was the growth in "homegrown" produce available from Loblaws. The stores still import too much (in my opinion) foreign food in the form of meat and produce. The volume of food is available in Ontario during the growing season to support shoppers. However it is currently up to independently owned grocery stores to act as large scale outlets for the province's farmers who seek a fair price for their work. Over 80% of residents support a system which acknowledges and promotes locally grown/produced foods, yet how do we achieve this?

The next step ought to attach a significance to food; as something that each member of this province, country, and world needs, locally produced foods can achieve social, economic, and environmental sustainability in the food production system. In terms of linkages between farmers, retailers, and consumers some further appreciation of the growing process itself elicits excitement and instills a sense of duty in a consumer to "buy local." Even if the moral logic does not cater to a consumer, retailers need to recognize the importance of quality over quantity and offer products which can achieve the triple bottom line for regional food production.

Suggestions include:
- Large scale Buy Local campaigns, such as those in Waterloo & Wellington Counties which have seen great response
- Push for large retailers to carry locally produced foods at responsible prices. The economic basis for this push is justifiable, both economically and socially.
- Education and awareness surrounding food miles and food safety issues. The average meal contributes an excessive amount of GHGs.