The Buy Local movement has long been popular in Canada, and it's helping farmers and food businesses grow their markets. Since the beginning of the year, the trade war with the United States has unleashed a growing wave of Canadian patriotism.
Vertical farms producing leafy greens and other types of produce can decrease Canada's reliance on imports from the United States. This sentiment is translating into increased desire by consumers to buy Canadian made products and support Canadian companies — and consumers are speaking with their wallets.
That's been the experience at GoodLeaf Farms, a vertical farm growing baby greens, micro greens and salad mixes in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. According to CEO Andy O'Brien, interest from retailers and consumers has skyrocketed over the last few months.
"March 4 was the turning point for consumers, and I have never seen Canadians be more Canadian than now," said O'Brien, referring to the first day that the U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods.
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