By Ethan Wallace, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
This week, June 1 to 7, marks Local Food Week in Ontario — a time to celebrate the incredible diversity of food, fibre, fuel and flowers produced by farmers across our province.
My family and I farm in the Seaforth area near Lake Huron, and for those of us who farm, Local Food Week is an opportunity to reflect on something many Ontarians may not always see: the tremendous pride farmers take in what we do.
Whether it’s a field of corn emerging in spring, a herd of healthy sheep grazing in a pasture, a greenhouse full of tomatoes, dairy cows producing milk every day, or the first strawberries or cut flowers of the season arriving at a farm stand, farmers feel a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that our work helps feed families and communities.
I can tell you firsthand that there is a simple but powerful feeling that comes from looking at a crop, an animal or a finished product and being able to say, “I helped produce that.”
That pride extends beyond individual farms. It is reflected in the pride many Ontarians feel when they choose food and products grown or raised close to home.
In some ways, supporting local agriculture is a bit like cheering for your favourite sports team. You want to see your community succeed. You want to support local people. And you take pride in knowing the products you’re buying were produced right here in Ontario or Canada.
In Ontario, we’re lucky to have one of the most diverse agricultural sectors anywhere in the world. Thanks to our climate, productive farmland and innovative farmers, our province produces more than 200 different farm and food products.
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