Media Release
For Immediate Release
June 4, 2008

Markham First Municipality in Canada to Adopt Local Food Plus (LFP) Practices

LFP agreement and new Zero Waste program contribute to Markham’s environmental leadership

MARKHAM, ON ~ Markham is the first municipality in Canada to adopt Local Food Plus (LFP) procurement practices for its municipal food services, an initiative to help support Ontario's farm economy, address climate change, reduce green house gases and pesticide use, and to promote environmentally responsible purchasing.

LFP certification requires farmers to adhere to strict guidelines representing significant progress in the transition to sustainable development practices. With the assistance of LFP, Markham will ensure a minimum of 10 per cent of its material and produce comes from LFP certified Ontario farmers, with future increases of 5 per cent each year.

"Environment has been identified as one of Markham"s six strategic priorities and a comprehensive Green Print is being developed that will continue our efforts to protect air, land, water, vegetation, wildlife and other living species," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "Markham continues to lead the way on environmental sustainability."

"Markham is to be commended for taking a leadership role on environmental sustainability," said LFP President, Lori Stahlbrand. "The steps they are taking to use LFP certified farmers, in combination with other innovative sustainability practices is an example for others to follow."

Markham Councillor, Erin Shapero, who led the partnership initiative, said, "We're optimistic other municipal jurisdictions and businesses will reduce their environmental footprint through similar programs.  I"m proud of our Council for taking these steps and the hard work of our staff to implement these programs.

In a related program Markham has introduced a zero waste initiative across its facilities to reduce the environmental impact and costs associated with waste landfills. Markham's food and catering services and all special events will introduce bio-degradable cutlery, 100 per cent recycled paper products, water jugs and glasses instead of plastic water bottles, elimination of polystyrene food ware and transfer of all food scraps to an organic recycling program.  Markham's current municipal waste diversion level of 70 per cent is the highest in Ontario and third highest in Canada and is targeting 75 per cent in 2008.  

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Markham, a municipality of more than 285,000 residents, is Canada’s most diverse community. Renowned for a rich heritage, vibrant neighbourhoods and environmental leadership, Markham is also the home of many of Canada’s leading life science and technology businesses.
Markham Contact: Dennis Flaherty, Corporate Communications Tel: 905-415-7520 Email: dflaherty@markham.ca
Local Food Plus (LFP) is an award winning non-profit organization that brings farmers and consumers to the table to share in the benefits of environmentally and socially responsible food production. They are committed to building and fostering local sustainable food systems by certifying farmers and processors and linking them with local purchasers.
Local Food Plus Contact: Mike Schreiner, V.P. Tel: 416-699-6070, ext, 223 Email: mike@localfoodplus.ca Website: www.localfoodplus.ca