Know Where Your Food Comes From

The Corporation of Norfolk County, the Norfolk County Agricultural Society and more than 50 agriculture and 150 tourism marketing partners across Norfolk County are working together to help establish this area as an agri-tourism and culinary tourism destination. This three year project will help spur economic activities through buy local initiatives, including developing culinary workshops, local food promotional campaigns, coordinating market exhibits and events, hosting Ontario's largest fair and FlavourFest, conducting an Agri-Food and Agri-Tourism gap analysis, and developing a wholesale food sales marketing plan and an institutional local food plan. The province is contributing $100,000.

Promoting Ontario Ginseng

The Ontario Ginseng Growers' organization is reaching out to consumers in the Golden Horseshoe with a campaign touting the many benefits of their homegrown products. An "Ontario Ginseng" labeling and advertising program will brand the local product and make it distinctive from the imports, which currently take up 50 per cent of the market. The Province is contributing $100,000 to this project.

Promoting Niagara Wines, Cheeses and Local Foods

Chateau des Charmes is adding Quick Response codes on wine labels that are readable with smart phone technology. Customers can pass an iphone, for example, over the label and get a short description of a wine/food pairing, along with the local chef and farmer. Printed recipe cards and wine tasting notes will be used by sales representatives at restaurants or with media. Other activities include updating the company's web site to promote local farmers, and presenting the 2010 Farm to Table Feast. The Province is contributing $100,000 to the project.

Backyard Bounty in Guelph

Orland Conservation Incorporated has teamed up with local businesses to convert private backyard lawns in Guelph into gardens producing vegetables and fruit for the local market. Funding for the project is going toward promotional material, including signs for gardens, grocery stores, farmers' markets and restaurants; an urban farming conference at the University of Guelph; a 'meet and greet' dinner to bring local farmers, consumers and buyers together; and market research. The Province is providing $19,300 for the project.

"Nothing Tastes Like Home" Mobile Educational Trailer

This project will involve buying and outfitting a mobile kitchen trailer to market and promote "buying local" through cooking demonstrations and tasting opportunities at industry, community and school events. The trailer will be identified with the Ontario Corn Fed Beef and Foodland Ontario logos.

This project will increase awareness and educate consumers about local foods and the benefits of buying local. The province will provide $60,000 to the project.

Omega-3 Pork Marketing Strategy

The purpose of this project is to market the first Omega-3 pork raised in Ontario to the retail sector. Marketing the new product will entail differentiation, branding and building awareness through media outreach, direct from farm sales and retail sales.

Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids prevent heart disease and arthritis and improve brain function. Pigs fed diets enhanced with flax yield meat with higher levels of these essential nutrients.

The province will provide $55,000 to the project.

FarmzOnWheelz

The FarmsOnWheelz project will engage young people to explore farming and food. FarmzOnWheelz will be a traveling exhibit moving across Ontario educating the public about modern agri-food technology and its economic impact in Ontario.

The Ontario Science Centre, recognized for its expertise in developing scientific, interactive and educational exhibits, will create, design, test and build the interactive components of this exhibit.

The province will provide $100,000 to the project.

Ontario's Finest Meat Products: Consumer and Retail Campaign

This project will include an Ontario-focused creative communications campaign to generate interest and support for processed meats. Activities include:

• a product competition using Ontario meat products
• product line development
• recipe development for outreach to consumers
• web-site development
• a calendar, and
• participation in trade shows.

This project builds on work previously conducted by the Ontario Independent Meat Processors to promote new product development. The province will provide $73,500 to the project.

Consumer Research, Education and Promotion of Fresh Ontario Mushrooms

The Canadian Mushroom Growers' Association /Mushrooms Canada, (Ontario) Promotions Task Force has developed a comprehensive Public Relations and Promotions strategy for the mushroom industry in Ontario. The purpose of the program is to "Move More Mushrooms", by making "Fresh Ontario Mushrooms" top-of-mind with Ontario consumers.

The industry has concentrated a great deal on making the best product possible through research and development. Now, growers recognize it is time to strengthen their marketing tactics. At the same time, food science and medical research have shown the many nutritional and wellness attributes of fresh mushrooms. Consumer concerns for healthy lifestyles, food safety, environment and disease prevention have increased. All of these trends support the need to promote fresh Ontario mushrooms.

Mushrooms Canada (Ontario) will capitalize on the use of:

• consumer research
• the internet
• regional consumer shows
• recipes
• consumer education
• strategic advertising, and
• media relations.

These tools will be used to promote the convenience, taste, versatility, nutrition and wellness attributes of fresh Ontario mushrooms. The primary targets for this strategy are the principal shoppers and consumers of mushrooms in Ontario. The province will provide $86,325 to the project.

Domestic Apple Market Development

The Ontario apple industry needs and wants to increase its efforts to promote its product.
During this project, a media awareness campaign will be developed and launched to raise the profile of Ontario apples. The campaign will include new media releases, the appointment of an Ontario chef to act as the official spokesperson for Ontario apples on radio and television and new apple recipes and photos for media to post on the Ontario Apple Growers' website. The province will provide $25,000 to the project.

The campaign is needed because apple production in Ontario has decreased steadily over the past 10 years from 14,164 hectares in 1995 to about 7,280 hectares today. Ontario's apple production and the returns to producers have also dropped due to a combination of competition from lower-priced imports and declining exchange rates.

Ontario Pork Promotion

Putting more pork on people's forks is the focus of a project in which the Ontario Pork Producers' Marketing Board will raise awareness and sales of the product. The board will produce targeted consumer communications marketing materials, including easy-to-make recipes, identifying logos, and information for health care providers. The province is contributing $25,000 to the project.

Apple Awareness

The shine of publicity is on two new apple varieties this year. Ontarians will learn more about, and as a result be more inclined to buy, Honeycrisp and Ambrosia apples at farmers' markets, roadside stands and grocery stores. The Ontario Apple Marketers' Association wants to increase demand for the new fruit to keep pace with expected production increases and provide opportunities for future expansion. The province is contributing $50,000 to the project.

Growing the Tender Fruit Market

Fresh peaches, pears, plums, prunes, sweet and sour cherries will be front and centre this summer as a result of the Ontario Tender Fruit Marketing Board's efforts. Among the Board's planned activities are a new media campaign, including kits, farm visits and educational materials. The province is contributing $65,000 to the project.

Soyfood Awareness

Soyfoods Canada is hoping to make market inroads in Ontario for its products with a multi-level marketing campaign. By partnering with the Ontario Soybean Growers, the organization hopes to raise consumer awareness of the advantages of soy products and how they can be incorporated into everyday menus. The Province is providing $86,500 to the project.

Organic Meadow Co-operative

A media and marketing campaign will promote certified local organic milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream cheese and eggs to Ontario consumers. The products, carrying the Foodland Ontario symbol, will be marketed through advertising, in-store sampling and consumer education. The Province is contributing $100,000 to the project.

100 Mile Markets Ontario

After three years of research, Kitchener-based 100 Mile Markets is ready to bring its innovative methods to buying and distributing local food to institutional, food service and retail customers. The company will use a marketing campaign that includes a web portal, point of sale displays, vehicle signage, literature and samples. The Province is providing $100,000 for this project.

Health, Heart and Home Campaign for Apples

The Ontario Apple Growers will show people how buying apples is a nutritious and tasty way to support our farmers using a new media kit, a redesigned web site and special events such as providing Toronto elementary and high schools with 100,000 apples this fall for school nutrition programs. The Province is providing $93,650 to the project.

Promoting Ontario Mushrooms

Many people are not aware of the nutritional benefits of mushrooms. The Ontario branch of the Canadian Mushroom Growers' Association is working to change that with a comprehensive marketing plan. A benchmark survey will be followed by a public relations campaign including a celebrity spokesperson, industry experts, radio and television. The project will also encompass the use of social media such as twitter, podcasts and message boards. The Province is contributing $50,000.

Promoting Ontario Pork

Ontario Pork is building consumer awareness of its' members products through targeted consumer marketing materials featuring the organization's logo, as well as radio, internet, newspaper and transit advertising. The campaign also aims to educate consumers about the benefits of pork and the contributions of pork producers to Ontario's economy. The Province is contributing $75,000 to the project.

Ontario Organics Pavilion at the Green Living Show

The Organic Council of Ontario works to demonstrate to consumers that they can buy local and organic at the same time. As part of its efforts, a pavilion at the Green Living show in Toronto in April, 2010 will have 12 booths at which council members will promote their products, and display materials including a "Where to Buy Organic in Ontario" map and guide. The Province is providing $21,630 to the project.

Go Ontario Snack Bar

Shandiz Trading Incorporated and EcoSource Mississauga are bringing all-Ontario, nutrient-packed snacks to Ontario schoolchildren. The granola bars are made of Ontario cranberries, cherries, apples, organic oats and honey, and are part of a hands-on education program centred on the benefits of eating local. The Province is contributing $92,250 to the project.

Ontario Coronation Grape Consumer Awareness Campaign

Grape growers are building on the success of last year's flyer campaign, which nearly doubled Ontario demand for Coronation table grapes. This year, they're expanding to include an in-store sampling and education campaign to increase consumer and retailer support. The Province is investing &$40,000 in this project.

2010 Good Food Festival - Education Trailer

The "Nothing Tastes Like Home" Education Trailer pulled into the 2010 Good Food Festival in Mississauga in April, bringing tasty samples and information on Ontario Corn-fed Beef and other homegrown foods. A fully-functional kitchen inside the trailer provided the opportunity for chef demonstrations and hot-off-the grill treats that consumers can savour. On-site recipes and nutritional information meant that people could feed their minds while they feed their bodies. The Province invested $19,225 in this project.

Ontario Greenhouse Consumer Advertising

A marketing campaign including radio, transit and billboard advertising will highlight the taste and freshness of Ontario's greenhouse vegetables. Many different varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers will be highlighted, along with their availability throughout the year. The Province is investing $100,000 in this project.

Make It Ontario Beef

The Ontario Cattlemen's Association is reaching out to consumers in several different ways to get more beef on people's plates this year. Activities include new, tested recipes to please the palate, a new website full of nutritional and health information as well as preparation and cooking tips, and a game show to entertain and educate everyone on the benefits of beef. The strategy will be tied to Corn-Fed Beef and Foodland Ontario. The Province is investing $100,000 in this project.

Ontario Tender Fruit Media and Consumer Education

Consumers will soon be seeing paper bags at their local grocery store with instructions on how to properly store and handle Ontario peaches, plums, cherries and pears, thanks to the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers' Marketing Board. The board is also planning a lunch and learn event in Niagara to which media representatives will be invited to taste locally inspired dishes cooked up by talented chefs from the region. The Province is investing $41,150 in this project.

Guelph Wellington Local Food Initiative

The Guelph Community Health Centre will promote the region's local food to advance economic development, health promotion and a sustainable food system in Guelph and Wellington. Enhanced outreach and marketing will help broaden the original scope of the work of Guelph Wellington Local Food, a conduit of information for people and business that want to support local food. Funds will also support the Guelph Wellington Food Round Table, a new network for coordinated action for a socially just and environmentally sustainable regional food system. The Province is investing $52,441 in this project.

Food Day Canada: Eat Right - Do Right

The Grand River Agricultural Society and partners will host a pubic event on Simcoe Day (August 2, 2010) weekend to celebrate the best of Ontario's food at the Agricultural Society's facilities in Elora. Each commodity group will barbeque their own ingredients, or will provide them in a format that will go with a barbequed food, resulting in an extraordinary array of local foods for event participants and consumers. Development of an interactive website (www.foodday.ca) will allow all Ontario residents to post menus, recipes and photos of their events. For each confirmed posting on that website the commodity participants will make a donation to the Ontario Association of Food Banks. The collaborating partners not only want to grow the Elora event but want to create a solid template that can be rolled out at similar facilities across the province. The Province is investing $23,352 in this project.

Agricultural and Culinary Promotion

The Perth County Visitors Association, Stratford Tourism Alliance, and Huron Tourism Alliance are joining forces to make the region one of Ontario's premiere culinary tourism regions. The partners will enhance and expand the popular Savour Stratford Culinary Guide with a dedicated section promoting Perth County Terroir, the Savour Stratford Perth County Certification program and farm attractions. They will also develop an outreach and educational program to regional hospitality, culinary and agricultural schools and colleges about the importance of local cuisine. The Province is investing $97,388 in this project.

Grown Right Here

The Look for Local - It's Worth It, Grown Right Here campaign was launched in 2009. This year, the campaign will further expand and create promotional materials for farmers, wineries, bakeries, abattoirs, producers, retailers, restaurants and processors that support the brand. A consumer awareness campaign will include radio, local television and newspaper advertising and improvements to the website. The Province is investing $50,000 in this project.

School Safe Soy Butter

School Safe Soy Butter, produced by Hilton Whole Grain Millers Ltd, is a replacement for peanut butter that can safely go to in school lunches, and has additional proven health benefits of soy. Hilton Whole Grain Millers Ltd. will be running a public relations campaign at major grocery retailers focusing on getting information about this Ontario product to school principals, parent councils, allergy support groups and groups. The Province is investing $56,000 in this project.

Taste of Huron

The Taste of Huron is a culinary event, held from August 16 to 28, 2010, that will highlight quality food produced in Huron County. During this event's second year, new activities will include expanded promotional partnerships, a kick-off barbeque at the Huron County Plowing Match, public tours to different agricultural operations, culinary workshops and recipe challenges. Taste of Huron blends agri-business and cultural traditions into a community celebration showcasing the depth of resources found locally. The Province is investing $28,000 in this project.

Grey Bruce Local Food Project

Fresh food producers and processors in Grey Bruce will have more support for their products through:

The Province is investing $39,000 in this project.

Re-inventing the Kitchener Market

The Kitchener Market is focusing on local food with a comprehensive marketing campaign beginning in spring 2010. The market's newly-renovated upper level will set the stage for ongoing programming that includes cooking demonstrations, themed events and recipe giveaways featuring local chefs, farmers and other businesses. Activities will also include regional radio and newspaper advertising as well as point-of-purchase signs, cross-marketing with local restaurants and a presence on the 'Foodlink" website. The Province is contributing $45,000 to this project.

Raising Elgin County's Profile

Several local food businesses, tourism and development organizations from Elgin County will participate in the London Wine and Food Show, being held in January, 2010. The event will provide greater exposure and more sales for more of Elgin's food and wine makers. The Province is providing $9,500 to this project.

Oxford Buy Local

A farm-based food map showing local farms and food producers will help build customer numbers and loyalty in Oxford County. The map will be available in print, via Global Positioning System and on the web. Once the data is compiled, it will have several uses, all aimed at improving the competitiveness of the local agri-food industry. The local Federation of Agriculture is leading the project, and the Province is providing $20,000.

Buy Fresh at Norwich Farmers' Market

Norwich's farmers' market is attracting more customers with a new advertising and promotional campaign and a new part-time market co-ordinator. The Norwich Downtown Business Improvement Association is making sure the market is staying open for 24 weeks on Friday evenings using a 'Buy Fresh, Buy Local' campaign. The Province is contributing $5,000 to the project.

Huron Perth "Farm-to-Table" Opportunities

The Huron Business Development Corporation is determined to make the most of the agriculturally-rich Huron-Perth area with a multi-layered strategy to increase demand for locally produced food. The project components include: building producer capacity, developing a plan for a business incubator kitchen, networking farmers' markets and creating a website that puts all the information about local food in one place. The Province is contributing $50,000 to the project.

Stratford Garlic Festival

The festival was a great success this year with the help of an advertising and flyer campaign targeted the Orangeville, London, Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area. The campaign helped draw out visitors to the event, held at the Stratford fair grounds, which offered cooking demonstrations, garlic braiding demonstrations, garlic crafts, and lots of information about the history and nutritional benefits of garlic. The Province provided $12,056 to the project.

Grown in Windsor-Essex

Visitors to Essex County’s restaurants and casino will soon be more likely to find Ontario-grown foods on the menu. The Windsor-Essex Development Commission and the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association are working together to promote the wide variety of locally grown foods to the community, boosting the local economy and providing consumers with safe quality products fresh from the field or greenhouse. The province is contributing $47,500 to this project.

Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Map

If you’re looking for fresh produce in Chatham-Kent, you’ll be able to locate it quickly with the Buy Local! Buy Fresh! map that will showcase the availability of local foods in the region. The map will be available free of charge at local municipal offices, libraries, events and sponsors and partners listed on the map. The province is contributing $9,275 to this project.

Finding Farm Fresh Products in Essex County

The Essex County Federation of Agriculture will develop, promote and distribute a “Buy Local” map to increase consumer awareness of the products available throughout the County. Through map distribution and a marketing strategy which includes advertising and signage, the Federation aims to create closer relationships between consumers and the County’s agricultural community. The province is contributing $21,000 to this project.

Harvests of Haldimand

The Harvests of Haldimand Local Food Guide and Culinary event will develop a network between food producers, retailers, restaurateurs and tourism-based businesses, to increase awareness of the health and environmental benefits of local foods and its role in stimulating local economic development for the county. The province is contributing $22,000 to this project.

Taste of Huron

The Huron Tourism Association will be showcasing the quality and quantity of food products produced in Huron County from August 24th to 30th this year. The "Taste of Huron" event will include dining and information sessions, educational programs for farmers, corn and pig roasts, farm tours, a gala dinner and much more. The province is contributing $20,500 to the project.

Guelph Culinary Taste Trail

The City of Guelph and the Guelph-Wellington Local Food Initiative are cooking up a terrific year in 2009 -10 in order to get more consumers buying local food and visiting local tourism attractions. The city is extending its 'Grow Guelph' brand to connect locally, sustainably produced food and tourism destinations under a culinary Taste Trail initiative. The province is contributing $79,500 to this project.

Organic Milk Marketing

Organic milk will be served in more Ontario homes as a result of a new awareness campaign comprising newspaper inserts, radio ads, brochures, website and trade show participation. Harmony Organic Dairy Products Inc. of Listowel is leading a marketing blitz to help increase the consumption of local, Ontario organic milk. The province is contributing $57,950 to the project.

Promoting Ontario Pickles

Ontario consumers will know more about the availability of Ontario pickles because of a new marketing co-ordinator, who will work with retailers, distributors and consumers through trade shows, in store sampling and other product promotions.
The goal of this project is to increase the demand for Ontario grown and processed vegetables through the whole food chain, increasing opportunities in the producing and processing sector. The province is contributing $100,000 to this project.

Cooking with Ontario Vegetables

A recipe book highlighting Ontario greenhouse vegetables and nutritional information will be used as a consumer takeaway at events and in-store demonstrations. The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers want to increase domestic sales of these vegetables by making consumers aware of their availability and use. The province is contributing $48,500 to this project.

Essex Uncorked

Southshore Broadcasting Inc. is producing an ongoing 30-minute television series entitled "Essex Uncorked" featuring members of the South Western Ontario Vinters Association (S.W.O.V.A.). Each winery will be supplied with a DVD/CD for promotional and point of sale use to introduce and advertise the "Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island" label to local consumers and visitors. Each program in the series will profile local wineries with local food growers, processors, retailers and restaurants; provide a short segment on wine appreciation; and the winery's products and services, location, facilities and vineyards. The television series will be broadcast between July and September 2009 with re-broadcasts in October and December 2009. The province is contributing $100,000 to this project.

Niagara Culinary Trail

The project, sponsored by Niagara Environmental Food Alliance, will build on the foundation and momentum of the 2008 Niagara Culinary Trail map and website. A new companion brochure will also be developed that highlights Trail participants. The new map and brochure, with a larger distribution area, will strengthen the "Buy Local" message in Niagara and will accommodate additional participation so that more local businesses benefit from the project. The province is contributing $85,000 to this project.

Bountiful Brant Local Produce Map

Finding fresh local food in Brant will be easier with a new map and website. The Brant County Federation of Agriculture has teamed up with the County of Brant and Wilfrid Laurier University to develop a site which will include recipes, a local event calendar, and other marketing and tourism information. The local group "Bounty of Brant" will also host culinary tourism activities and boost local food marketing efforts. The province is contributing $45,000 to the project.

Market Expansion of Ontario Table Grapes

The luscious Coronation grape is sweet, blue-purple and not very well known. A focused marketing campaign by the Fresh Grape Growers' Marketing Board will change that by increasing awareness and sales of the new table grape variety through consumer and retail promotions. The province is contributing $40,000 to the project.

Savour Stratford

Stratford is best-known for great Shakespearean productions, but it also produces great food. The Perth County Visitors' Association is leading a project to promote the entire area as a prime culinary destination. The project will bring together farmers, restaurateurs and other tourism destinations in a comprehensive strategy to promote the area's high-quality dining opportunities to visitors and businesses. The province is contributing $89,325 to the project.

Central Ontario

Field to School; Increasing Procurement of Local Ontario Produce to Schools

Providing nutritional breakfasts, lunches and snacks to students is the objective of the "FoodShare"program to schools in the GTA. This "Field to School" project will bring added value by identifying opportunities and barriers that exist in bringing local Ontario produce to schools currently involved in the FoodShare program and developing new opportunities in high school cafeterias and culinary arts programs. Focus groups and educational workshops will be an important step to connecting farmers, student nutrition coordinators, educators and students to this valuable resource. The Province is investing $100,000 in this project.

Ontario Lamb Promotion

Taking steps to realize the market potential of lamb production is the assignment taken on by this project. The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) has developed a communications initiative to focus on increasing the availability of Ontario lamb and delivering marketing promotions to Ontario consumers. A variety of marketing tools such as logos, an updated website and promotional materials will be developed to help bring a consistent and recognized brand to the customer. The Province is investing $34,722 in this project.

The Ontario Dairy Tour

The Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) will create consumer interest and awareness of Ontario dairy products made from Canadian milk by promoting these products and processors to targeted Ontario markets through attendance at tradeshows and events. Dairy products will be showcased at a variety of venues across Ontario where they will distribute samples and provide additional information about their products. It is anticipated that this project will result in an improved understanding of the variety of Ontario produced dairy products resulting in increased consumption. The Province is investing $100,000 in this project.

Acton Farmers' Market - Where Fresh Meets Family

This is the first year of operation for the Acton Farmers' Market which is helping to build Acton's "Shop Local Smart" campaign by providing fresh, locally grown produce and products to local residents and visitors, promote Acton's downtown core and provide a networking location for local farmers and restaurants. This project will launch a marketing and promotional campaign, produce printed communications products, signage and on-line materials to support the market. In addition the local BIA will hire a Farmers' Market Manager to oversee the promotion and gather market research for future improvements. The Province is investing $5,700 in this project.

Taste of the Greenbelt at Harbourfront Centre

World class, right in your own backyard

"World Class, right in your own backyard" - that's the message King Cole Ducks wants Ontario chefs and consumers to hear. Information and recipes will be featured on a gourmet food web network and in the print food media. King Cole Ducks will also partner with Foodland Ontario and Homegrown Ontario in a variety of events as well as retail sampling and point of sale promotions. The province is investing $100,000 in this project.

Caledon Farmers' Market

The Caledon Farmers' Market has a variety of fun and entertaining events to ensure your trip to the market is as enjoyable as the food is fresh. Events will include a "reading circle" for children provided by the local library, local food demonstrations, local food tasting and musical entertainment arranged every week during the market. These events will be supported by promotional banners and signage. The Province is investing $9,000 in this project.

The Conscious Food Festival

Beautiful, historic Fort York in Toronto is the perfect place to taste and learn about the good things that grow in Ontario at The Conscious Food Festival. This event offers people a range of activities highlighting the connection between visitors' plates and the planet. Festival goers can visit exhibits, discuss the issues and best of all taste the local, delicious food. The province is investing $70,000 in this project.

Soupfest

Warm up to the delicious tastes of Ontario's fall harvest at the Holland Marsh Soupfest on Saturday October 16th in Bradford. Local restaurants, caterers and farmers will bring together their talents to cook up the region's bounty for this heartwarming event. Festival goers will see and taste the souperior benefits of buying local. The Province is investing $40,000 in this project.

Kerr Village Farmer's Market

Come to the Kerr Village farmers' market in the Town of Oakville to find the best products from local producers. Fresh local fare from farmers within 100 miles of the market will be purchased and then sold at the market in this cooperative approach to bringing local goods to consumers. To ensure no waste, any left-over produce will be donated to local missions. The province is investing $22,875 in this project.

Sip & Savour Ontario

Great Ontario wines matched with high-quality Ontario food is a winning combination. Just ask the people who sponsor the Ontario Wine Awards and sip and Savour event. The celebration joins together vintners, farmers, chefs, restaurateurs and consumers from across Ontario to mark the importance of the various wine and food-related industries in Ontario. Last year, 250 industry representatives and 450 consumers attended the event. It is extensively promoted throughout the GTA in electronic and print media, radio, posters, interviews, websites and other events. The province is contributing $100,000 to the event this year.

Local Menu - the Pickle Barrel

A new "local menu" for Pickle Barrel restaurants will be created using all locally grown ingredients. The new menu will be developed with author and healthy living expert Rose Reisman. Promotional and point of sale materials will also be developed to promote and raise awareness of the "Local Menu" to diners. The province will provide $54,456 to the project.

Hunger Relief - Growing Healthy Communities

More fresh Ontario fruits and vegetables will be going to people in need, thanks to the efforts of Farm Share Canada and the Ontario Association of Food Banks. The three-pronged project will: increase accessibility of Ontario produce at food banks in the Greater Toronto Area; research distribution logistics throughout the province; and educate food bank users about the valuable nutrition in Ontario fruits and vegetables. The province is contributing $100,000 to this project.

Ontario Natural

'Ontario Natural' is a brand with which local consumers will become familiar in the future. The private label is being introduced by the Ontario Natural Food Co-op. The organization will develop a process to identify, evaluate, prioritize and plan for the 'Ontario Natural' line of food products and categories on behalf of the Ontario Natural Food Co-op customers and suppliers. The province is contributing $100,000 to this project.

Rooting for Root Vegetables

Earthfresh Foods Corporation plans to increase consumption of Ontario-grown root vegetables by building a strategic network of growers and creating a 'Best Ontario' brand. Potato, sweet potato, carrot and onion growers will also benefit from better access to the market. The Province is contributing $85,000 to this project.

Grocery Innovations

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers will provide food producers a chance to participate in the "Pick Ontario Freshness Buy Local" pavilion at the Grocery Innovations Canada trade show, which is running October 26-27, 2009 in Toronto. This pavilion will consist of 20 booths showcasing local producer and processor offerings to key grocery retailers. The Province is providing $54,000 to this project.

The Royal Show of Ontario Foods

Two restaurants in the 2009 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair offered an all-Ontario menu, along with educational materials explaining the ingredients. There were also cooking demonstrations that paired chefs with Ontario farmers. The Province provided $25,000 to the project.

Farm Fresh Fare 2010

Green Living Enterprises, along with Slow Food Toronto and the Evergreen Environmental Foundation will build on the success of Farm Fresh Fare 2009 with a bigger and better event this spring. The Fare will be held at the Green Living Show, a three-day consumer event featuring all things green at Toronto's Direct Energy Centre in April, 2010. Visitors buy tickets that they can redeem at 20 culinary stations offering food samples made from Ontario's finest produce, meats, and dairy. There will be approximately 20 Ontario producers featured at the event, partnering with up to 30 chefs. The Province is contributing $91,965 to the project.

Marketing Research and Plan for Local Organic Food Co-ops

The Ontario Co-operative Association and Carrot Cache Community Resources are organizing an umbrella group to act as a resource for the increasing number of local organic co-ops in the province. The aim is to have an organic co-operative association to carry out research, share business knowledge and information, pool resources, and support one another to be successful. The Province is contributing $34,500 to the project.

Terroir Hospitality Symposium

Delicious dishes from Perth County were showcased at the networking reception of this year's Terroir Hospitality Symposium, held on March 2at Hart House at the University of Toronto. Terroir is an education symposium for hospitality professionals. It focuses on local Southern Ontario culture and product. Participation in the symposium stimulates growth through training and development for leaders within the industry. The Province invested $23,250 in this project.

Local Food Plus

Local Food Plus aims to increase demand for local, sustainable food, enable purchasers to pledge a portion of their food spending on it, and help consumers find as much of it as they can. Local Food Plus will encourage Ontario consumers to sign a pledge committing to shift $10 of their current weekly purchases from conventional imported food to local sustainable food. This would result in $2.6 million in annual sales of local sustainable food and lead to 50 new direct jobs. Local Food Plus will launch a major new public campaign based around the new Certified Local Sustainable certification seal, the creation of which was funded in part by OMIF. Social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook will be used to help spread the campaign. The Province is investing $100,000 in this project.

Caledon Farm Marketing Initiatives

The Caledon Farm Go-to-Market project will produce fresh, local organic vegetables year-round for the GTA marketplace. The farm's small-acre, intensive approach will also provide a model to allow family farmers, especially young farmers, to fully participate in the resurgence of agricultural production in the province. Part of the project will include in-house training programs, classes in intensive sustainable growing, and internships. The Province is investing $85,900 in this project.

Cross-County Local Food Branding

The Creemore 100-Mile Store is teaming up with the Clearview Eco-Action Network (CLEAN) to build and market a local food network in Simcoe County. The partners are looking to make connections among provincial and municipal governments, non-profit organizations, farmers, chefs and businesses to strengthen the local economy. Among the activities will be creating a self-guided culinary tour involving local breweries, wineries and hospitality/service businesses in the area. The Province is contributing $75,500 to the project.

Ontario Artisan Share

Savour The Flavour is expanding its Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) program to include products like jam, flour, meat and cheese. CSA allows consumers to pay farmers at the beginning of the season for fresh fruits and vegetables they will receive throughout the growing season. Under the expanded program, these additional food products will be delivered directly to corporate customers and restaurants, while retail customers will be able to pick up their boxes at Culinarium, a Toronto food store dedicated to selling local Ontario products. The Province is contributing close to $25,000 to this project.

GTA Advertising Initiative - Local Natural Products

Life Choices Natural Foods will reach out to consumers through radio advertising and in-store samplings to show the benefits of its locally-based products. The company uses local ingredients and local manufacturers to make cookies, pizzas, breaded chicken, perogies and more. The Province is providing $37,600 to the project.

More Ontario Meat

Newmarket Meat Packers Limited is producing a DVD, creating a website and participating in trade events to help increase production of local sheep, goat and lamb meat. The company hopes the campaign will increase current flocks and encourage new entrants to the industry. The Province is providing $72,500 for this projec

Local Summer in the City

The Turkey Farmers of Ontario's Local Summer in the City culinary event will be promoting Ontario turkey at four restaurants in the Kitchener/Waterloo area. The Charcoal Group of restaurants (Wildcraft, Charcoal, del Donte and Martinis) will provide 10,000 diners per week an opportunity to experience Ontario turkey. Six Ontario recipes will be developed, and marketing for the event will include flyers, e-mails and promotional information on the website. The province is contributing $4,000 to this project.

Caledon Farmers' Market

Residents and visitors of the Caledon Farmers' Market can help "Take a Bite out of Climate Change" thanks to a new project by the Town of Caledon and Caledon Countryside Alliance. This project provides an outlet for vendors to sell their produce, grow Caledon's local food network, encourage the promotion of Ontario foods and build greater awareness of what is grown in Caledon. This project includes a series of on-going demonstrations and workshops, special events promotions and a marketing strategy. The province is contributing $12,200 to this project.

Artisan Cheese Marketplace and Tasting Event

It was a fine wine and cheese event that brought 12 Ontario artisan cheese makers together with more than 500 guests at Hart House, University of Toronto on April 28, 2009. Guests were treated to sample and buy some of the best cheese in the province, as well as learn about the products, how they're made, and where they can be bought. The Ontario Cheese Society used a $3,500 contribution from the province to co-ordinate, market and advertise the event.

Newmarket Main Street Farmers' Market

Local residents will be hearing a lot more about the Newmarket Main Street Farmers' Market with a fresh media campaign using local newspapers, radio and website to showcase local products produced and sold in the region. The market is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season. The province is contributing $5,000 to the project.

Local Foods Plus Research

Finding consumers' appetite for supporting Ontario farmers by purchasing local food produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner is the focus of this project. Using polls and focus groups, Local Food Plus will also find out what messages and campaign tools would resonate with people, prompting them to buy local. The province is contributing $20,000 to this project.

Feasting with Ontario Food and Beer

The Brewer's Plate is a local, sustainable spring feast that celebrates independent brewers, chefs and food artisans. Started in 2008, this event matched six local chefs who are champions of slow food and local ingredients with six local craft brewers to create a remarkable feast. It attracted 400 guests. Green Enterprise Toronto will use $21,473 from the province to help promote and host the feast in 2009.

Simcoe County Farm Guide

A Farm Fresh Buy Local guide map indicates the availability of local food and where to find it in Simcoe County. The project, sponsored by Simcoe County Farm Fresh Marketing Association, will include the map's design, printing and distribution through community-owned newspapers, community partners and members. The audience is big and growing - the county has 18 municipalities, including Barrie and Wasaga Beach, which have been declared the fastest growing communities in Canada. The province is providing $9,000 for this project.

Ethnic Food in the GTA

A research project in the Greater Toronto Area will help farmers determine what ethnic foods are in demand, and how to grow them. The University of Guelph is collaborating with the Toronto Food Policy Council to determine demand in 34 ethnic groups in the area. Strategic research trials will also be planned for these food crops to determine their adaptability to Ontario conditions, and to determine appropriate production techniques. The province is contributing $55,500 to this project.

Local Food Web Project

Making food connections is the focus of this project led by the Toronto Environmental Alliance. A web-based information portal will be built to help connect Toronto area growers, distributors, food service providers and others who grow or purchase local food. The site will also contain how-to guides, case studies, sample Request-for-Proposals, contracts and success stories. The province is contributing $75,000 to this project.

Brand and Market Holland Marsh Farm Products

The Holland Marsh Growers' Association will develop a branding and marketing strategy for products grown in the Holland Marsh. The brand, "Holland Marsh Gold" will be developed by the association in partnership with local marsh processing and packaging plants. The association will work with Local Foods Plus, a non-profit organization that brings farmers and consumers together to share in the benefits of environmentally and socially responsible food production. Following the creation and branding of the logo, the first promotional campaign will be a consumer awareness initiative of the benefits of high quality products of the marsh.

The province will provide $75,000 to the project.

Northern Ontario

Savour Muskoka

The members of Savour Muskoka are lining up a tasty summer with eight major culinary events highlighting local farms, chefs and culinary artisans focused on local food. Promotions will include a culinary trail map highlighting farms, restaurants, retail outlets and more. The province is contributing $50,000 to this project.

Get Fresh! Campaign

The Thunder Bay Country Market is teaming up with local public health units to expand efforts to get local consumers to buy and eat more local food. Among the activities planned are: a local food booth to take to various community events; a conference to highlight local food and connect producers with buyers; an expansion of the local Good Food Box program to include more suppliers and buyers; improvements to the nwofood.com web site and a recipe contest. The Province is providing $21,500 for the project.

Marketing and Education Campaign for Greater Sudbury and Area

Eat Local Sudbury Co-operative Inc., along with the Greater Sudbury Restaurant and Foodservice Association and the National Farmers' Union Ontario North will be reaching out to northern Ontarians about the availability of local foods through a new marketing and education campaign. This campaign includes educational materials about where to buy local food products, a "Meet Your Farmer" tasting event, a comprehensive list of local farms for the foodservice industry, promotion of the Eat Local Sudbury Co-op store and enhancements to the Eat Local Sudbury website. The province is contributing $26,552.

First Nation Greenhouse Research

Fresh vegetables will be available more readily to northern Ontario residents thanks to a project being conducted by the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation. Participants are building a small scale commercial greenhouse and the project is aimed at: securing agreements for cost effective freight charges to distribute the vegetables throughout the north; setting up a distribution network; getting grocery retailers to commit to carrying the produce on their shelves; and conducting research on consumer preferences for local food. The province is contributing $34,250 to the project.

For more information and application documents, interested applicants can visit:
Ontario Market Investment Fund
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1 Stone Road West, 4 NW
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
Tel: 1-888-588-4111
Fax: (519) 826-4336
Email: omif.omafra@ontario.ca