A local restaurateur says he expects to see more farm-to-fork food distribution in the province in the future, but for now, restaurants and grocery stores must still rely heavily on food products being brought in from elsewhere.

Todd Perrin, who operates Mallard Cottage and Water West, says the pandemic has brought that reality into even greater focus in recent weeks.

He says anything that affects the supply chain affects every operator, big and small.

Perrin, whose businesses were forced to shut down several weeks ago, says it’s been a difficult few weeks and the future is uncertain.

He admits to moments of hopefulness and moments of despair.

He’s hopeful that they will have a better idea soon about what the coming weeks will look like, because the uncertainty is the hardest part for businesses.