Loblaw Companies Ltd. will spend $150 million more each year by 2025 buying local, fresh Canadian produce that otherwise would have been imported from around the world.

The company said in a news release on Wednesday that it will work directly with local farmers to implement innovative growing methods or plant non-traditional crops, extending the growing season and bringing the Grown in Canada label to what were typically imported fruits and vegetables.

“For decades, we have worked with local farmers to feed our national appetite for Canadian-grown food,” said Galen G. Weston, chairman and CEO of Loblaw Companies Ltd. in a statement.

“We are applying new resources to accelerate that work, helping Canadian farmers find new opportunities to provide global products and year-round freshness, grown right here at home.”

Loblaw said it sources more Canadian produce than any other grocer, working with about 300 domestic growers. In season, nearly half of all produce in Loblaw’s various stores – including Loblaws, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills and others – is Canadian-grown, it added.

Respected business writer Mario Toneguzzi is a veteran Calgary-based journalist who worked for 35 years for the Calgary Herald in various capacities, including 12 years as a senior business writer.

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