Local food

Our local food program supports and connects residents on both the producer and consumer sides of the local food industry. We host and support initiatives that increase public trust, awareness and education of food networks in the region. We also provide information on pests and diseases that affect trees and garden vegetables.

Upcoming events

Our local food coordinator is working to increase local food opportunities in the region by hosting education events and developing relationships with local food entrepreneurs.

Food safety for direct marketers

This free online webinar series will provide details on appropriate agricultural practices and food safety procedures for selling food products and fresh produce to local markets. Each session will be one and a half hours to two hours in length.

In this food safety series, you will learn about food safety regulations associated with farmers’ markets, public markets and special events. The series will offer details on how these opportunities differ and the requirements that are needed for each.
The program also covers some basic information regarding CanadaGAP – for businesses planning to enter into retail or food service markets. The series will highlight the resources available, practices and processes needed to gain CanadaGAP certification.

Food safety: best practices and regulations for local markets

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024

Speaker: Alberta Health Services (AHS)

Time: TBD

Event details: The session will cover the various markets where local food products are sold and the associated regulations. The session will include topics such as low and high-risk food factors, reference and resource materials, and steps to take when planning a food-related event.

Registration: register online below by Feb. 27, 2023

Overview of CanadaGAP and Food Safety Practices for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Speaker: Erin Hiebert, Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc.

Time: TBD

Event details: Join Erin Hiebert as she provides an overview of the CanadaGAP food safety program, its purpose, and program benefits. Erin will discuss the processes and associated fees required for businesses working towards certification. The session will also review the web-based CanadaGAP resources, which are available to download and incorporate into business practices. The session will also relay information related to food safety – as it relates to consumer health, produce recalls and additional resources on food safety practices.

Registration: register online below by March 5, 2023

For more details contact Sharon at 780-770-9271 or sharon@leduc-county.com.

Event details are subject to change.

Loading Calendar Feed...

Local food resources

For a listing of local food resources, including links and webinars, check out our local food resources page.

Local food resources

Local food listing

Local food, local products and agri-tourism in Leduc County

To showcase local food, direct-marketed products and agritourism in the region, Leduc County has partnered with The Leduc, Nisku & Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce on its Discover Leduc Region website.

The website features an interactive map that highlights attractions and tourism destinations in the region. The map now includes a category featuring local food producers in Leduc County. Learn about who's making your food, what they have to offer, and how you can purchase their products.

View the full list of producers here Find local producers on our interactive map

Local food listings

The local food category includes listings for:

agritourism
- breweries, distilleries + wineries
- farm events + tours
- fruits + orchards
- trees, bees + hops
agritourism and local food
- farm/animal products
- farmers market
- market gardens
- u-pick

How it works and criteria

To be featured on the interactive map, you need to meet certain criteria and fill out an application form.

Criteria

You must own your business.
Your business must be located within Leduc County or one of the municipalities within its boundaries (Beaumont, Devon, Leduc, Calmar, Thorsby, Warbug).
You must meet at least one of the following requirements:

You are a producer of food, horticulture, other agriculture products, or raise animals/products that are sold into local market channels.
You host agri-tourism activities on your farm.
You source ingredients from Alberta that are your main ingredients to produce value-added products.

If you meet the above-listed criteria, you may fill out an application form.

After you've submitted your application form, county staff will review it and you will be notified if your application was successful.
There is no cost to be listed on the local food listing, but you must complete an annual audit of information to ensure everything is up to date.

Please note: if you indicate specific certification/classification/or holding certain permits as part of your business features, such as organic certification, you may be requested to provide a copy of the certification to the county.

Online application form Downloadable application form

For more information, contact Sharon Faye, local food coordinator, at 780-770-9271 or sharon@leduc-county.com.

Ag Matters e-newsletter

Do you want to learn more about agriculture and agriculture-related events in Leduc County? Sign up to receive agriculture news to your email inbox, including our monthly Ag Matters newsletter that highlights both local and regional agriculture information and events.

Subscribe to agriculture information