Kirk Kemp says a buy-local trend has boosted his company’s sales. Ontario’s apple industry was facing serious challenges four years ago when Mike Gibson and Kirk Kemp acquired full control over Algoma Orchards, Ltd., of Newcastle, Ontario, Canada, from the previous owner. Many of those challenges persist, in the form of government red tape, intense competition, and low prices. Bearing acreage in the province has dropped from 25,000 acres in 1999 to 15,400 acres in 2008, while packers and processors have shut down under the pressure. But in the midst of the challenges, Algoma Orchards is stepping forward with a […]