Local Food Plus bridges the urban-rural divide by bringing farmers, processors, distributors, consumers, retailers, restaurants, and institutions of all sizes to the same table where they can share in shaping a more sustainable food system. Since launching in September 2006, LFP has become the leading certification standard for local sustainable food production in North America.
LFP’s comprehensive and rigorous certification system addresses production, labour, native habitat preservation, animal welfare, and on-farm energy use, and leverages these standards to open new higher-value markets for farmers and processors.
We are the only organization in Canada working on the ground to develop supply chains and other infrastructure that make it possible to scale up for food system change by linking small and medium-sized producers with purchasers of all sizes.
We have a year-round supply of regional products, ranging from dairy and meat to greenhouse vegetables and tender fruit. We are constantly seeking and forming new partnerships with retailers, restaurants, institutions, and distributors who are committed to supporting regional farmers who meet LFP standards for environmental and social sustainability.
By making the work of food producers transparent and defining best practices for sustainability, we are educating consumers about complex land use issues that affect us all and threaten our future ability to feed ourselves. We are also helping to foster vibrant rural economies by identifying purchasers who will pay a premium to support local food systems that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.
Here’s how we do it:
Standards development:
- We develop standards for environmental and social sustainability with stakeholder input. These standards are meaningful, rigorous and credible, yet accessible to many farmers. We are committed to building a “big tent” where farmers and processors who are committed to sustainable production and continuous improvement are welcome.
Certification process:
- We work with producers to gather the information that inspectors will need to assess their production practices.
- We contract with experienced independent inspectors and provide them with additional training to inspect to LFP standards. These inspectors visit the farm or processing facility and conduct the inspection. The inspection report is then sent to an external reviewer.
- The external reviewer makes the final decision regarding certification.
- The farm or processing operation is recertified annually, with an on-site inspection every three years. We also perform regular spotchecks.
Developing markets for LFP Certified Local Sustainable food in institutions:
- We work with institutions to develop language for Request for Proposals for food services that require a percentage of local sustainable food, with an annual increase in the percentage.
- We work with institutional food service providers (whether contractors or self-operated units) and distributors to source LFP Certified Local Sustainable products.
- We work with institutional food service providers on an on-going basis to troubleshoot and to help them meet targets for percentage of LFP Certified Local Sustainable food purchased.
Developing markets for LFP Certified Local Sustainable food in retail and restaurants:
- We create partnerships with restaurants and retailers interested in buying LFP Certified Local Sustainable food and we work with them to access supply.
- We work with distributors to create the supply chain linkages necessary to ensure that LFP Certified Local Sustainable food is accessible to buyers.
- We work with our restaurants and retail partners to troubleshoot and increase the amount of LFP Certified Local Sustainable food they purchase.
Educating eaters about local sustainable food:
- We provide a website directory of restaurants, retailers and institutions selling LFP Certified Local Sustainable food.
- We work with partner restaurants, retailers and institutions to identify LFP Certified Local Sustainable food for their customers through Point of Sale and other materials.
- We promote the importance of local sustainable food through consumer education via our website, e-newsletter, speaking engagements and events.
Helping develop policies that support local sustainable food systems:
- We participate in many policy-oriented events and conferences as speakers and advisors.
Certified Local Sustainable
food is sold at restaurants, stores, farms, markets, and institutions across Canada