ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates the sustainability of a local food system through three different local enterprises near Toronto in Ontario, Canada: Ontario Natural Food Co-op, Mapletons Organic Dairy, and YU Ranch. The locavore explosion which is very strong in Ontario, across Canada, the UK and in the United States should be understood as a dramatic departure or paradigm shift away from the dominant industrial food model. The alternative bulk food distribution system adapted over the years to incorporate organic, natural, and healthy affordable food options. Ontario Natural Food Co-op Distributions (ONFC) mandate now includes consumer education an important factor that is missing from the agenda of the dominant food retailers. The development of ONFCs first house brand Ontario Natural helps us understand the complexity of the product development task. In Norfolk County, the lead organizations directing the ALUS pilot project are the Norfolk Federation of Agriculture and the Norfolk Land Stewardship Council.
