Seizing Opportunities to Grow Ontario’s Local Agri-Products Sector
Starting or diversifying a farm business requires careful planning, especially when exploring direct sales channels. Through the Cultivating Local project, we have hosted nine recorded workshops, prepared nine checklists, and gathered helpful resources to support you in your direct-to-consumer sales journey.
Check out the Cultivating Local Workshop Series!
Interested in learning more? Click the image below to watch the full Cultivating Local workshop series on YouTube.
Cultivating Local Checklists to support you in your direct-to-consumer sales journey
The following checklists will help you think through the planning steps of selling direct-to-consumer. The checklists highlight key planning and regulatory information that will help you move forward in your business journey with confidence.
You can also access the checklists in a booklet format here.
On-farm stands and stores
If you’re opening a farm stand or on-farm store, the On-Farm Stands and Stores checklist highlights key resources for regulations, deciding on a point-of-sale system, operating your on-farm stand or store, and evaluating your progress.
- Find your local Regional Tourism Organization
- Employment Standards Act and regulatory requirements for produce in Ontario
- Apply to use the Foodland Ontario logo to promote your local products
Request printed retail display tip cards and laminated display signs for your farm stand
Agritourism
Looking to offer farm tours, events, or experiences? The Agritourism checklist shares how to plan agritourism experiences, research applicable agritourism laws and regulations, develop your business plan, and leverage partnerships and industry resources.
- Explore Agritourism Ontario, the Simcoe County Agritourism Toolkit, and find your local Regional Tourism Organization for resources, ideas, and best practices
- Watch free Global Agritourism Network webinars and recordings from the University of Vermont
- Review the Government of Canada’s guide to Business Insurance for agritourism businesses
- Learn about Ontario’s Growing Agritourism Act and Publication 851: Guidelines on Permitted Uses in Prime Agricultural Areas
- Connect with the Culinary Tourism Alliance and Destination Ontario to promote your food, drink, and farm experiences
- Join the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario for industry news, events, and advocacy
Value-added food and beverage
Thinking about turning your farm products into packaged foods or beverages? The Value-Added Food and Beverage checklist outlines processing your product, relevant regulations, requirements for producing or selling alcohol, and costs and pricing.
- Review AGCO guides for brewery, winery, and distillery manufacturers
- Learn about the Cannabis Act for cannabis-related food and beverage products
- Use CFIA’s Food Labelling for Industry for packaging and labelling requirements
- Access CFIA’s guide for opening or expanding your food business
- Understand Ontario’s Food Premises Regulation and find your local public health unit
- Explore Ontario’s cost of production tools and farm business decision calculators
- Join Ontario Made to promote your locally produced food and beverage products
Direct to consumer marketing
Looking to promote your farm products directly to customers? The Direct to Consumer Marketing checklist includes all you need to know about creating a distinct brand, considering your audience’s values, creating your marketing strategy, marketing tools, and tracking your progress.
- Use tools like Canva, Looka, and Shopify Logo Maker to design your brand assets
- Manage your email marketing with ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp
- Set up your Google Business Profile and advertise with Meta Ads Manager
- Explore the Build Your Brand playbook and SEO tips for entrepreneurs
- Explore the Canadian Agri-food Marketers Alliance website for industry insights
Find opportunities to expand the reach of your products by connecting with the organizations listed on the OFA Buy Local page.
Social Media
Ready to market your products on social media? The Social Media checklist highlights how to choose your social media platform/s, social media best practices, build engagement , and set goals.
- Use 5 ChatGPT prompts to quickly generate social media content ideas
- Track your website and social media traffic with Google Analytics
- Learn social media basics with BDC’s Social Media for Business Guide
- Get tips for selling local online with Local Line’s Social Media Guide for Farmers
Selling your products online
Launching an online storefront? The Selling your Products Online checklist offers information on creating an online presence, the ordering process, and communication strategies.
- Register your domain with CIRA or GoDaddy
- Set up your online store with Square or the Farm to Fork Commerce Platform
- Learn how to profit from e-business with Ontario’s online selling guide
- Understand security, privacy, and legal requirements for e-business
- Review the Consumer Protection Act and PIPEDA for online sales and data privacy
Selling at farmers’ markets
Joining a farmers' market? The Selling at Farmers’ Market checklist walks you through the necessary background research, getting set up to sell at the farmers’ market, and being successful.
- Connect with Farmers’ Markets Ontario and use their tool to find a farmers' market
- Take the Farmers’ Markets Ontario Vendor Certification Course to get market-ready
- Apply to use the Foodland Ontario logo to promote your local products
- Get vendor insurance through Duuo to protect your business
Selling to restaurants and retailers
Looking to sell your products to restaurants, grocery stores, or independent retailers? The Selling to Restaurants and Retailers checklist includes information on how to understand the market and client needs, preparing to sell, pricing, and opportunities for networking and collaborating with industry groups.
- Use the Foodland Ontario Availability Guide to showcase what’s in season
- Learn about distribution options for placing your product through Ontario’s guide
- Join FeastON to connect with restaurants and promote your Ontario-grown products
Closing report
OFA’s Closing Report for the Cultivating Local project summarizes the key takeaways for organizations looking to support farmers on their direct-to-consumer business through informative workshops. Key lessons for successful engagement included creating accessible promotional materials, offering concise sessions, blending expert insights with farmer-led discussions, involving local partners, and ensuring resources were easy to access after the event.
Thank you to our partners
OFA worked alongside many collaborative partners to ensure the success of this project. With 30 agricultural and commodity organizations that partnered alongside OFA, organizations such as Agritourism Ontario, Farmers’ Markets Ontario, and others ensured that we had expert speakers and resources that supported the diversity of all farmers and prospective farmers looking to sell local products direct to consumers.
The Project is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.