Celebrating Ontario's Local Food Heroes - Farmers

Jun 04, 2024

Local Food Week Showcases Agricultural Achievements

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.

Video: predictive weed Management saves on herbicide costs and increases yield potential

Gowan Canada is partnering with Geco Strategic Weed Management to help Canadian growers take a strategic approach to weed control through data-driven prediction and planning.

Geco’s technology uses data and AI to map where weeds have been over the past five years and predict where patches are likely to emerge next season. These insights allow farms and retailers to plan ahead and target actions in the most challenging areas.

“Our technology enables the question: if you could know where your most problematic patches are and where they are spreading to, what could you do differently? That’s what our technology makes possible,” said Greg Stewart, CEO of Geco. “Many of our farms are already using our prescriptions along with Gowan products, so this collaboration is a natural next step.”