The Myths of Local Food Policy: Lessons from the economic and social history of the food system finds that despite common misperceptions, locally-grown food isn’t better for the environment, doesn’t provide a more stable food supply and it isn’t necessarily safer to eat. And locally-grown food often increases prices for consumers since the high cost of land in or near big cities means urban agriculture is expensive.
At first glance, Quebec's agricultural sector appears to be stable. However, this apparent stability belies a number of ill-conceived public policies that threaten to destabilize agricultural economics in the province. This report examines these policy issues and recommends reforms necessary to ensure the viability of Quebec's agriculture. Most importantly, the province needs to replace the supply management system and scores of farm subsidies in favor of an open and competitive market.
