Prince Edward County Sets The Table For Local Food

(Left to right: Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Leona Dombrowsky; Kathy Kennedy, Executive Director, Taste the County; Seaton MacLean, President, Prince Edward County Wine Grower's Association; Carlyn Moulton, Vice Chair, Taste the County; Sandy Latchford, Councillor for Ameliasburg)

Ontario is strengthening the economy in Prince Edward County by encouraging more residents and businesses to buy locally grown food.

Taste the County received $100,000 under the four-year, $12-million Ontario Market Investment Fund program (OMIF). OMIF helps develop economic opportunities through the promotion of Ontario foods. The fund is part of the McGuinty government's enhanced investment in 'buy local' initiatives.

QUOTES

"We are bringing together local food networks including producers, processors, retailers and individuals dedicated to selling the fresh foods that are grown and made right here in Ontario," said Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

"Assistance from the Ontario Market Investment Fund will help businesses in Prince Edward County promote our great food and wine products to visitors as well as to our neighbors. It's a great way to kick start this year's tourist and growing season," said Kathy Kennedy, Executive Director, Taste the County.

QUICK FACTS

• The Foodland Ontario program is expanding beyond the produce section, to include meat, dairy and eggs.
• The agri-food industry contributes more than $33 billion to the Ontario economy and employs about 700,000 people.

LEARN MORE

About the Ontario Market Investment Fund program, and the projects it helps finance.

About Pick Ontario Freshness.

About Taste the County.

For more information, contact:

Sherry Persaud, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342