Local Food Week Showcases Agricultural Achievements
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Farms.com
Local Food Week began June 3, and will end June9, 2024, a special time dedicated to celebrating the farmers and other contributors to the local food supply chain.
This initiative not only boosts community awareness about the source of their food but also strengthens the province's economic backbone.
Lisa Thompson, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, expressed admiration for the province's farmers who produce over 200 commodities. "Our farmers and everyone in the food supply chain play a pivotal role in strengthening our economy and rural communities," Thompson noted.
The week features the Local Food Report, spotlighting innovative agricultural practices and educational programs.
Noteworthy mentions include a business extending the availability of fresh, local strawberries all year and an urban farming class that introduces students to agricultural careers.
Highlighting the week's events, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association promotes it’s 'Fresh from the Farm' program, engaging students in fundraising through the sale of local produce.
Meanwhile, the Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards recognize grocery stores that creatively promote local fruits and vegetables.
Minister Thompson kicked off the week by awarding a Foodland store in Markdale, with fifty-nine others set to receive honors for their efforts in promoting local foods.
As Local Food Week encourages support for local growers, Ontarians are urged to look for the Foodland Ontario logo when shopping, or even better, to buy directly from the farmers at markets or on-farm.
This annual observance not only highlights the economic impact, with agriculture contributing $48.8 billion (about $150 per person in the US) to Ontario's GDP, but also stresses the importance of local food to each local community's well-being and sustainability.