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Green agriculture critic calls for action on food sovereignty in New Brunswick

by Josh O'Donnell
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August 17, 2020

Green agriculture critic calls for action on food sovereignty in New Brunswick

FREDERICTON – In response to a government announcement on improving food self-sufficiency, Green Party Agriculture, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Food critic and MLA for Kent North, Kevin Arseneau, is calling on the government to take genuine action to improve food sovereignty in New Brunswick.

“The pandemic has shown us that local food is essential, and farmers and harvesters are providing essential services that benefit all New Brunswickers,” said Arseneau. “There is too much talk and not enough action from this government when it comes to improving New Brunswick’s food system. Minister Wetmore’s announcement to improve food self-sufficiency lacked any details and is proof that this government does not have a plan to improve our food system”

In May, Arseneau proposed a bill that aims to strengthen and ensure a sustainable local food economy in New Brunswick, scale-based regulations, promote local food procurement and access for public institutions, improve the health of New Brunswickers through increased availability of fresh local food and provide students with food, agriculture and garden-based education in schools. He has also proposed to give the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries a mandate for food.

“When I toured the province in January, I heard from farmers across the province about changes we could make improve our food system,” said Arseneau. “I would love to sit down and share my findings from my tour with Minister Wetmore, by I have not even received an invitation over six months later.”

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