The recent round of tariffs has sparked concern across industries and households alike. A 25% Canadian tariff on U.S. produce, dairy, poultry, and other food products is about to be felt in grocery budgets nationwide. But instead of focusing on the short-term pain, let’s talk about the long-term opportunity.
Graze & Gather is ready to play chess, not euchre (because….no trump) — thinking strategically, not just reacting. And in doing so, we see this as yet another wake-up call for Canada’s food system.
A Reminder, Not a Revelation
We should have learned this lesson in 2020. The fragility of our food system became clear, yet as soon as imports resumed, many fell back into old habits of relying on year-round availability from the U.S. This is a second chance. A chance to strengthen Canada’s local food systems, reduce dependence on imports, and support the farmers and food producers who are committed to feeding this country—without compromise.
We should have learned this lesson in 2020. The fragility of our food system became clear, yet as soon as imports resumed, many fell back into old habits of relying on year-round availability from the U.S. This is a second chance. A chance to strengthen Canada’s local food systems, reduce dependence on imports, and support the farmers and food producers who are committed to feeding this country—without compromise.
The Invitation
Rather than seeing tariffs as a burden, let’s view them as an invitation to rethink how we source our food. Graze & Gather is proud to be leading by example, and we invite you to join us in this shift.
Now is the time to support local. Now is the time to eat seasonally. Now is the time to invest in a food system that prioritizes resilience over convenience.
We’re ready. Are you?
Our Approach: A 100% Tariff-Free Market
Graze & Gather is taking a bold step: we are eliminating all U.S. products from our marketplace. Instead of fighting the shift, we are embracing it, making it easier for Canadians to support their own farmers, food producers, and local economies.
How We’re Doing It
1. Prioritizing Local, Even in the Tough Winter Months
When not available locally, we’re shifting our purchasing to alternatives from Mexico and beyond, ensuring supply without U.S. reliance.
As always, we’re monitoring grocery store prices closely to ensure we stay competitive.
1. Prioritizing Local, Even in the Tough Winter Months
When not available locally, we’re shifting our purchasing to alternatives from Mexico and beyond, ensuring supply without U.S. reliance.
As always, we’re monitoring grocery store prices closely to ensure we stay competitive.
2. Transparency and Choice
Country of origin will be clear on all of our ingredient listings.
Country of origin will be clear on all of our ingredient listings.
Any remaining USA products will be labeled: “This was imported from the U.S. before tariffs came into effect. We will not be ordering more. If we can’t find another source, we simply won’t have it.”
The weekly Fresh Produce Market Bags will be 100% U.S.-free.
We’re launching a Build Your Own Canadian Produce Bundle—offering savings while encouraging homes to embrace local, seasonal eating.
3. Standing Firm on Packaging
No more Uline. We’re cutting out U.S. suppliers from our packaging and operational needs (please be patient as we use what we have on-hand).
No more Uline. We’re cutting out U.S. suppliers from our packaging and operational needs (please be patient as we use what we have on-hand).
Thank you for continuing to support a strong, local and sustainable food system,
Dave
Co-Farmer, Kendal Hills Farm
Founder, Graze & Gather