Richmond Hill - Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, presented Food Basics #856 with the first Foodland Retailer Award for its outstanding display to promote Ontario local food. In the coming weeks, Minister Hardeman and local MPPs will present the 2018 Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards to winning stores across the province.
"Many congratulations to Food Basics in Richmond Hill for creating award-winning displays to showcase Ontario's fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables," said Minister Hardeman. "Taking pride in building creative and innovative displays to showcase fresh Ontario foods supports our hardworking farmers by encouraging shoppers to take home the good things that grow in Ontario."
"The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association appreciates the ongoing support Foodland Ontario provides to Ontario farmers," said Alison Robertson, Executive Director, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association. "The creative efforts of Ontario retailers to promote local produce to consumers helps maintain a strong domestic market for 3,500 Ontario farmers that grow fruits and vegetables valued at over $2.4 billion annually."
The annual Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards are the produce industry's premier competition for excellence in retail display and promotion in support of local Ontario foods. Retailers enter seasonal display contests that run from mid-April to November.
Source : OMAFRA