For immediate release: October 3, 2006

McGuinty Government Supports "Farm Fresh"
Funding Enhances Direct Farm Marketing In Ontario

Queen's Park - The Ontario government is helping the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association establish, expand and enhance "farm fresh" sales, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Leona Dombrowsky, announced today.

"Our investment is helping support and strengthen farmgate sales to the public," said Dombrowsky. "This will bring greater returns to our agricultural sector and increase market support for fresh, top-quality Ontario food."

The government is investing $60,000 over three years to support farm fresh. Today's announcement of $20,000 is the second installment under a three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed by the province and the organization.

The OFFMA was founded in 1973 as a non-profit, educational and promotional organization with more than 188 active members. Its general membership is made up of dedicated Ontario farmers with a keen interest in promoting the direct farm sales industry, which includes on-farm markets, agritourism and pick-your-own operations.

A recent survey by the association indicates that farm fresh operations in Ontario have a significant economic impact on local communities. The industry provides more than 10,000 seasonal and full-time jobs, generates $116 million in gross receipts and has seen more than $55 million in capital improvements in the last five years. Survey results also show that 97 per cent of consumers who visited Ontario farms were either satisfied or very satisfied with their experience.

"This support helps us establish more opportunities for farmers to market Ontario-grown produce, products and agritourism experiences directly to Ontarians," said Cathy Bartolic, OFFMA executive administrator. "We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the ministry as we work together to build on the success of the province's agricultural sector."

The McGuinty government is on the side of families in rural Ontario. Other initiatives include:

• Providing $910 million over the past three years for farm income stabilization and support programs, including $110 million in new provincial funding announced at this year's International Plowing Match
• Investing $26 million in rural communities through the Rural Economic Development program
• Investing $40 million each year in research and innovation to create new opportunities for farmers.

"Promoting farm fresh operations and the consumption of Ontario-grown food is key to building consumer awareness and support for agriculture and our local food systems," said Dombrowsky. "Our support for farm-fresh and niche marketing opportunities is opening new doors for Ontario farmers."

- 30 -

Contacts:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
416-326-3072

Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
519-826-3198