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

Ontario is helping to encourage more families to buy locally-grown food in Wellington County.

With the support of the Ontario Market Investment Fund, the Harvest Table, with locations in Parker and Elora, will help farmers and producers market their products. The company's line of ready-to-eat local food products will be expanded and market-tested with the help of the 100 Mile Market, a local food sourcing and distribution company.

A strong agri-food industry 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."
- John Wilkinson, MPP for Perth-Wellington

"With this funding from the province, we will be able to provide more local products, and promote them better than ever before. As a result, I am confident we will see business increase for ourselves, our farmer suppliers and the community. People today are looking for healthy alternatives in all areas of their food purchases. At the Harvest Table we are proud of ensuring our products are gluten free, and chemical free. Our products are local, healthy and naturally produced."
- John Slot, President, The Harvest Table

QUICK FACTS

• The Ontario Market Investment Fund has provided more than $9 million to 177 local marketing projects across the province since 2008.
• The agri-food industry contributes more than $33 billion to the Ontario economy and employs about 700,000 people.
• In June, Ontario had an increase of more than 40,000 jobs and the unemployment rate declined to 7.7 per cent.

LEARN MORE

About the Ontario Market Investment Fund program, and the type of projects it supports.