This is Local Food Week in Ontario, recognizing the contribution of farmers, food processors, restaurants and others in the food supply chain.
Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson says Ontario farmers produce over 200 different commodities. The ag industry includes 836-thousand jobs and contributes 48.8 billion dollars in gross domestic product to the provincial economy.
This year’s Local Food Report features some of the people behind the products and recognizes the incredible contribution farmers make to the province. The Local Food Report includes stories about:
- A business that applies innovative solutions that allow us to enjoy fresh, Ontario-grown strawberries that taste like summer, throughout the year.
- A teacher who designed an urban farming class that teaches students about agriculture and exposes them to careers in the agriculture and food industry.
- The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association’s Fresh from the Farm program where students fundraise by selling local fruits and vegetables.
Ontario food businesses, commodity organizations and retailers support the province’s local food supply chain by putting Ontario-grown foods front and centre.
The Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards program recognizes and celebrates grocery stores that build creative and innovative displays promoting fresh, locally grown and in-season fruits and vegetables. 60 awards will be handed out to stores across the province over the next few weeks.
Residents are encouraged to support local farmers and businesses by purchasing foods with the Foodland Ontario logo, or, where possible, buying directly from farmers either on-farm or at their local farmers’ market.