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.

HomeGrown

OFA launched the HomeGrown campaign to engage with consumers on where their food comes from and encourage support for Ontario farmers and farmland. Over 70,000 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 Cultivating Local page 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.