Supporting Local Producers in Durham -McGuinty Government Supports Agri-Food Industry, Invests in Local Food

Ontario is investing in a new marketing project in Durham that will encourage families to support local farmers and buy more quality, locally-grown food.

With support from the Ontario Market Investment Fund, the Durham Farm Fresh Marketing Association will work with Durham College to research emerging market opportunities and create a new promotional campaign to inspire families to buy, prepare and share local food. Durham will also introduce a new culinary festival this August to showcase local food products along with signature recipes.
Supporting local food helps to build a strong agri-food industry and is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create jobs and opportunities that will grow the province's economy.

QUOTES

"With this initiative, we're strengthening ties between communities, local farmers and food. This summer I encourage everyone to visit their local farmers' market and bring more of the good things that grow in Ontario home to their table."
- Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

 "When we buy Ontario, everyone wins. It's good for farmers and processors, good for families, good for the environment and good for our rural communities. With this fund, we are expanding local food networks and helping communities and industries showcase the abundance of food that is grown, produced, and processed in Ontario."
- Joe Dickson, MPP for Ajax-Pickering

"The Durham Farm Fresh Marketing Association is very grateful to the province for providing this support. It will be a tremendous boost for our member farmers, their businesses and the entire community."
- Len Stroud, Treasurer, Durham Farm Fresh Marketing Association

QUICK FACTS

• The Ontario Market Investment Fund has provided more than $9 million to more than 177 local marketing projects across the province since 2008.
• The Foodland Ontario program has expanded 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 type of projects it supports.