News / Announcements:

Thank a Farmer this Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving around the corner and many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians reflecting upon all the people who will be making their dinner possible, many would be surprised at the percentage of what they pay at the grocery store that actually goes to the farmer. A study was recently commissioned by Manitoba's Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), Saskatchewan's Agricultural Producers Association (APAS), and Alberta's Wild Rose Agricultural Producers (WRAP), which addresses that issue.

The study, called The Farmers’ Share, found that on average, only 27% of the cost of a week's worth of groceries for a family of four returns to the farms where the food is produced. Even with grocery prices rising over the past year by 3.2%, the average farmer’s share actually declined by 1.7%.

“The results of this study reinforce what farmers have known for years,” said Eugene Legge, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture. “Having figures like these to cite aids organizations like ours in creating awareness of these issues. People will be surprised to hear how little of what they pay returns to the farmer.”

Consumers must remember that when they choose imported goods, a lot of the cost is going to transportation and getting the food from the producer to their table. When consumers choose local food, they are reducing transportation costs and instead are re-investing in their local economy.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture (NLFA) hopes that consumers appreciate the importance of the local agriculture industry and the farmers who help put food on their tables.
This Thanksgiving, the NLFA is urging Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to be informed consumers and support their local farmer.


To read the full study, The Farmers’ Share, please visit

This Link (PDF Format).