Celebrate Local Food During Agriculture Week

McGuinty Government Continues To Support Ontario Farmers

Buying locally-produced food is the best way to celebrate Ontario Agriculture Week, which runs until Thanksgiving. 

The week also provides an opportunity for all Ontarians to reflect on the contributions made by farmers throughout the rest of the year.

To support farmers, Foodland Ontario expanded promotion this year of local foods beyond fruits and vegetables to include meat, dairy, eggs and deli to remind us that "Good Things Grow in Ontario.” In addition, Ontario launched a four-year Ontario Market Investment Fund last year to provide support for local food networks and other industry efforts in promoting local food.

QUOTES

“The most useful way to demonstrate support for hard-working Ontario farmers is to buy the fresh, high-quality food they produce. I want to encourage all Ontarians to always Pick Ontario Freshness.” 
— Leona Dombrowsky,Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.   

QUICK FACTS

• More than 20 government cafeterias now prominently promote and feature Ontario foods.
• More than 100 restaurants across the province participate in the Savour Ontario program, designed to promote the bounty of Ontario’s fresh, high quality foods.
• The agri-food industry contributes more than $33 billion to the Ontario economy and employs about 700,000 people. 

LEARN MORE

About Foodland Ontario.

About Pick Ontario Freshness.

About SavourOntario.

For more information:

Kelly Synnott, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342