GUELPH, ON [May 20, 2026] – If you’re looking for the first real sign that Ontario’s local food season is underway, don’t look at the calendar, look for asparagus.

Now in markets and grocery stores across the province, Ontario asparagus is the first fresh, field-grown vegetable of the season. Its relatively short but intense harvest window is a reminder of just how connected local food is to timing, weather and the realities of farming in Ontario.

“This is the moment people have been waiting for,” says Teresa Van Raay, farmer and director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. “After a long winter, asparagus is the first true taste of fresh, local food coming straight from Ontario fields. It’s a short season, which makes it even more special.”

Unlike many grocery store staples available year-round, asparagus has a narrow seasonal window from around early May to the first week of July. Warm spring temperatures can drive rapid growth, with spears emerging and maturing quickly — sometimes growing up to 15 cm (6 inches) in a single day. That means Ontario farms are often harvesting daily to keep up and deliver the best possible quality.

“It really shows how dynamic farming can be – timing is everything,” Van Raay adds. “Harvesting at just the right moment matters so consumers get that fresh, tender product.”

Once harvested, Ontario asparagus is quickly cooled and packed, helping preserve its flavour and texture from field to plate.

Beyond being the first crop of the season, asparagus also highlights the strength and innovation of Ontario’s agriculture sector. Many growers rely on modern varieties developed for Canadian conditions, helping improve yields, consistency and resilience in the face of unpredictable weather.

Fast facts about asparagus:

• Asparagus is a perennial crop that can produce for up to 20 years, but farmers must wait two to three years after planting before the first harvest.
• Ontario is Canada’s leading asparagus-producing region, supported by ideal soils and climate conditions. Most of Ontario’s asparagus grows in Norfolk County.
• Many farms grow modern, all-male hybrid varieties like Millennium, developed at the University of Guelph, which are better suited to Ontario’s climate and produce higher yields. In fact, more than 90% of asparagus grown in Canada today is Millennium.
• While green asparagus is most common, white and purple varieties also exist. White asparagus is grown without sunlight to prevent it from turning green, while purple varieties are often slightly sweeter.

For home cooks eager to make the most of the season, asparagus is one of the easiest ways to bring fresh, local flavour into everyday meals. Whether roasting, grilling or adding to a pasta or salad, Ontario Asparagus offers a variety of recipes to try out.

As more Ontario-grown fruits and vegetables begin to arrive in the coming weeks, asparagus sets the stage for the season ahead — one rooted in freshness, quality and the connection between farmers and consumers.

“Buying local is one of the most direct ways Ontarians can support farms and food businesses,” says Van Raay. “We are incredibly lucky in Ontario that we have to soil and the climate to let us grow, raise and produce more than 200 different food, fuel, fibre and flower products.”

The OFA’s Home Grown campaign raises awareness of why it’s important to preserve Ontario farmland to produce local food, fuel, flowers and fibre. Learn more and sign up for regular updates on products grown and raised in Ontario at homegrownofa.ca.

About the Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) represents 38,000 farm families across the province and serves as the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers. As a dynamic farmer-led organization, the OFA represents and champions the interests of Ontario farmers through advocacy and government relations, research and farm policy recommendations, media and public relations, community representation, and more.

Join the conversation on X @OntarioFarms, Instagram @ontariofarms and Facebook /ontariofarms.

About Home Grown

A public awareness initiative of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Home Grown’s objective is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving Ontario farmland. Learn more about the key role of Ontario farms as a source of food, fuel, fibre and flowers and get regular updates on products grown and raised in Ontario by joining Home Grown Ontario.

Stay connected with Home Grown and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @homegrownofa.

For more information or to book an interview, contact:

Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883 or [email protected]