Issue Details
Overview Agri-food products that are produced and available locally support healthy communities, provide job opportunities and diversify the economy. Local produce is fresher and reconnects consumers with how food is produced.
The agri-food sector is the powerhouse of the Ontario economy – generating over $50 billion in GDP and employing over 870,000 Ontarians. Supporting local food will strengthen and enhance the Ontario economy, however farmers and agri-food businesses must be encouraged through provincial support for innovation and entrepreneurship, mitigating risk for new ventures, and supporting new and beginning farmers.
Home Grown
OFA launched the Home Grown campaign to engage with consumers on where their food comes from and encourage support for Ontario farmers and farmland. Over 75,000 Ontarians have signed on to support farmers and the fresh, local food grown right here at home.
Cultivating Local
In response to demand and growing interest in seizing local selling opportunities, OFA has organized a series of online workshops to support its members as a part of its Cultivating Local: Seizing Opportunities to Grow Ontario’s Local Agri-Products Sector project. Visit the for more information and to view these workshops.
OFA Position
OFA supports local food initiatives and believes Ontario agriculture and food products should be promoted across Ontario.
OFA encourages municipalities to support the local food economy by developing policies that increase local food procurement, support local agri-food initiatives, and increase capacity of the agri-food value chain.
Submissions & Correspondence
News & Commentaries
Spring into local: Ontario’s fresh food season kicks off with asparagus Bursaries and scholarships support tomorrow’s farmers, food producers Understanding the value of local food and farming It’s sugarbush season! Enjoy pure Ontario maple syrup National farm organization conference includes focus on young farmers Ontario farmers less confident in farm sector outlook, survey says How you can support Ontario by buying local Buy Ontario for a Home Grown Valentine’s Day Election priorities for farmers focus on protecting ability to grow food Ontario farmers appreciate risk management program funding increase Ontario farmers meet with rural municipal leaders Pick Home Grown Ontario — even in cold winter months Farmers prepare for possible tariffs on agri-food exports to U.S. Ontario Federation of Agriculture welcomes funding for Cultivating Local project Farmers concerned with proposed pandemic preparedness bill Ontario farmers to gather for annual policy convention Thankful for Ontario’s Harvest Support local this fall to help Ontario farms grow Celebrating and supporting our francophone farming heritage Patience on the road will help avoid accidents during harvest season New partnership promotes farmers, farmers’ markets Summer tour highlights diversity of Ontario’s agriculture Celebrate Ontario’s local bounty on Food Day Canada OFA Revive Fund supports local agricultural projects Farmers encouraged to take active leadership roles in their industry Support farm businesses in your community this Local Food Week Tax burdens top-of-mind concern for Ontario farmers, survey shows Five ways to appreciate Ontario-grown asparagus Introducing the next generation of farm leaders to advocacy Ontario farm leaders meet with provincial politicians Farm shows a chance to meet, learn and reconnect Ontario farmers’ markets are always in season Ontario Federation of Agriculture invests in local initiatives – Revive Fund generates $975,000 in support over four years Canadian farm leaders meet to debate issues, set policy New funding program to promote Ontario farmers, farmers’ markets Younger farmers changing the face of agriculture A perfect cook, every time Farmers advocate for rural community investments Farm organizations benefit from diverse perspectives Collaboration can drive positive change for the farming sector Farmers, consumers share common interest, says new farm leader Try made-in-Ontario for your holiday meals and festivities Farmers appreciate consumer trust in food system Reflecting on a year and on a presidency Ontario’s farmers get set to gather for annual convention Agriculture is about more than farming OFA appreciates Premier’s action on farmland preservation Farm shows bring people together OFA, industry stakeholders connect with municipalities over common interests Fall fairs bring urban and rural Ontario together Shop, cook and dine Canadian in celebration of Food Day Canada Meat processors key link in local food value chain Buying local food supports Ontario’s farms and food businesses Enjoy the bounty of Ontario’s freshness during Local Food Week Farmers invest back into their communities by supporting local projects Kick start local food season with the Easter feast OFA calls for government investments in food, farming and rural communities Reports show agritourism activities ripe for growth in Ontario Building bridges with rural leaders Keep those New Year’s resolutions with Ontario meat and produce Locally source this year’s holiday feast From Ontario farms More than 50,000 Ontarians sign on to Home Grown to show support for farmland preservation Farmland produces food. Let’s work together to keep it that way Farmers and food trucks highlight buying local during Ontario Agriculture Week Put Ontario meat on the menu this autumn Municipal elections are critical for farmland preservation OFA board tour showcases diversity of agriculture in Niagara Northern Ontario farmers welcome Canada’s agriculture minister Seven ways to enjoy Ontario’s sweet corn harvest OFA’s Source Local initiative celebrates shared values and commonalities Celebrate the abundance of Ontario agriculture this Local Food Week Farmers embracing technology, sustainable practices and direct-to-consumer sales Supporting the agri-food sector means economic growth and prosperity for Ontario OFA highlights collaborative projects and initiatives at second annual Research Day What does 175 acres actually mean? OFA celebrates farming and food on Canada’s Agriculture Day Local food is key to a healthy diet OFA applauds government of Ontario program to promote made-in-Ontario food Deck the halls with gifts sourced local Celebrate the bounty of our sector this Ontario Agriculture Week and beyond OFA striving to secure long-term labour strategy for agriculture Exiting provincial directors reflect on their time representing Ontario’s farm families OFA invests in new program to support farming and rural communities across Ontario Indulging in local food means supporting Ontario farmers, food processors and the economy OFA Today – 2021 Edition OFA urges farmland preservation to maintain demand for locally sourced food A holiday season reminder to support local OFA points to industry collaboration as the key to success in 2020 and beyond OFA project highlights training and career opportunities in Focus on Food and Livestock video series OFA’s 2020 virtual annual meeting focuses on road to recovery for agri-food sector CCFI report showcases consumer appreciation for the agri-food sector Six by Sixteen launches new virtual food literacy challenge OFA welcomes long-awaited infrastructure and program investments for rural Ontario OFA survey shows farmers adapting and making strides on the road to recovery OFA recognizes vital contributions along the value chain during Small Business Month Harvest season – a time to reflect, celebrate and promote Ontario’s agri-food sector Ontario abattoirs facing processing capacity shortages – in need of funding Food Day Canada highlights opportunities to share the story of Canadian food from field to fork Always in Season project highlights opportunities to support agriculture and local food Province makes buying local easier with Ontario Made logo launch Local federations give back to communities across Ontario Agricultural representation key to regional economic recovery task forces Celebrating Ontario’s bounty of fresh, affordable local food OFA will receive Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding to address agri-food labour supply and training challenges Ontario farm businesses working to adapt to a new reality The time is now to support Ontario’s agri-food system with workable solutions OFA members share how their operations are faring during COVID-19 Six by Sixteen helps families spend more time in the kitchen OFA supports call to federal government to prioritize Canada’s agri-food system OFA takes the pulse of Ontario ag as COVID-19 continues OFA highlights current state of Ontario’s agri-food system Food security in Ontario remains strong during COVID-19 pandemic Bill 163 puts Food Day Ontario on the calendar Bringing Ontario issues to national ag ministers’ meeting New national food policy good news for agriculture Additional Information
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