A second year of funding for a cost-share program to support marketing projects promoting Ontario farmers at farmers’ markets across the province has been approved. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) will be contributing another $50,000 to Farmers’ Markets Ontario (FMO) following a successful program in 2024 that supported marketing and awareness projects to promote local farmers participating in farmers’ markets.
“In our current climate of economic upheaval and trade challenges with the United States, consumer interest in buying local products and supporting local businesses has never been higher and we want to help make it easier for Ontarians to shop local,” says Teresa Van Raay, farmer and director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. “The ongoing uncertainty is tough for farmers and farm businesses, and this is one way we’re able to support our members who sell directly to consumers.”
The program’s emphasis on local food aligns well with OFA’s commitment to increasing visibility for Ontario agriculture, promoting local food, fuel, fibre and flowers through its Home Grown initiative as well as Local Food Week, Ontario Agriculture Week, and other provincial agriculture promotion efforts.
The OFA’s grant will be matched by participating farmers’ markets, bringing the total program value for the year to $100,000. This will build on the success of last year’s program, where 28 projects with markets across Ontario were approved. Those projects included digital and social media advertising, point-of-sale promotions on market days, and special events focusing on farmers and their products.
“We are extremely pleased that OFA and FMO are once again partnering to deliver this valuable program. The collaboration between our two organizations strengthens our shared mission to support local food systems and promote the importance of farmers’ markets in our communities,” says FMO Chair Elmer Buchanan. “By shining a spotlight on both the markets and the hardworking farmers who make them possible, this program helps raise awareness, drive traffic to local markets, and reinforce the value of buying directly from producers.”
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 government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. Home Grown is a public awareness initiative of the OFA that puts the spotlight on the importance of local food and preserving Ontario farmland as a source of food, fuel, fibre and flowers.
Farmers’ Markets Ontario (FMO) is the only official provincially recognized organization representing farmers’ markets. Since 1991, FMO has been advocating with municipalities, regulators and potential funders to help ensure the health and sustainability of Ontario farmers’ markets. With now over 180 members across the province, FMO continues to support the growth of farmers’ markets for the benefit of local farmers, local food and Ontario consumers.
Source : OFA