Ontario government investing to boost access to local food across province with 24 new Greenbelt Fund projects

Today, the Greenbelt Fund is announcing 24 local food projects that increase access to local food across Ontario, made possible with funding from the Government of Ontario. These investments support farmers and agri-food businesses as an essential bedrock of Ontario's economy.

Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs made the announcement along with Burkhard Mausberg, CEO of the Greenbelt Fund at McLean Farms in Peterborough this morning. This investment includes a $15,000 grant to Farms at Work to partner with Transition Town Peterborough to strengthen the impact and sustainability of Peterborough Local Food Month.

Farms at Work's project is one of 24 new projects across Ontario, totalling over $800,000 in new investments from the Greenbelt Fund through the province's Local Food Investment Fund program.

"Farms at Work showcases local food through Peterborough Local Food Month, which celebrates local food leaders and farmers bringing local food to our plates," said Burkhard Mausberg, CEO of the Greenbelt Fund. "The Greenbelt Fund invests in projects all along the food value chain from farm to table, increasing the sale of local food and strengthening the local food economy."

"Through the Local Food Investment Fund, our government is making it easier for Ontarians to enjoy the good things grown, harvested and made in Ontario. When we invest in projects that support Ontario's powerhouse agri-food sector, we are helping strengthen our communities, both rural and urban, create good jobs and boost our local economies," said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

"Through Peterborough Local Food Month we engage the community about the benefits and value of choosing local, which supports our farmers and ensures that farmland stays in production," said Pat Learmonth, Director of Farms at Work. "The support from the Greenbelt Fund and province means we can solidify Peterborough Local Food Month as a signature agricultural event in the region."

Source: CNW