As we pass through the peak of summer, local Ontario produce is in abundance. We’re blessed to work with many farmers throughout the province, and prioritize supporting our communities in any way possible. These relationships with both farmers and consumers allow us to bridge the gap between food production and consumption. Please check out these amazing ideas and resources to help create local sustainability.
Beyond the always-changing advances in technology, there are incredible opportunities to create positivity in the future of farming. One that can be implemented immediately and influenced by each of us individually is local networking. As a consumer, we can source our produce as close to home as possible while reducing the amount of produce purchased from corporations. The infographic above created by Local First states that if you make purchases locally, $68 will stay in the community for every $100 you spend, whereas only $43 will stay in the community if you spend $100 at a non-local business. Not only does sourcing your food locally result in higher quality, fresher food at a fair price, it also puts more money back into the farms in your community. Creating a healthier population and economy.
Some of the ways that farmers and consumers can connect would be through farm stands, farmers’ markets, or CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture). A CSA is essentially a food subscription box. Consumers pay farmers up front in early spring to receive a weekly share of fresh produce for x number of weeks throughout the summer. In our area, a 10-week period is typical. This helps farmers receive guaranteed income months in advance of harvest and creates great quality food at a fair price for their CSA members.
Here are some great links to help with your search for local food!
The Find a Farmers’ Market tool lets enter your postal code or town and explore markets near you.
Using Ontario Farm Search you can explore farms that sell direct to consumer, and filter based on what you’re looking to buy. This tool is a fantastic option for consumers, but also a great idea for farmers who may be missing out on an opportunity.
Here’s a peak at how many direct to consumer farms are in our Region and on the Farm Fresh Ontario map. I’m certain there are many more that haven’t registered, or maybe haven’t explored direct to consumer selling.
There are significant changes coming to food distribution that have been studied and tested throughout the world, one of which is creating a Collaborative Food System. A Collaborative Food System infrastructure is a large-scale, government-influenced change that recognizes local food production as an important ecosystem service. The main goal of this food system is to increase the affordability and accessibility of healthy food by helping farmers market and distribute their food within their communities. Foodland Ontario is a government-initiated example of this type of solution. If Collaborative Food Systems are implemented it should help to prioritize Ontario produce as a larger percentage of what’s represented in our grocery stores, giving Ontario farmers an advantage.
We’re thrilled to continue to work with both farmers and residents throughout Ontario and take pride in bridging the gap between them. If you’re a farmer looking for networking opportunities, or a consumer hoping to support a farmer, we’re here to help at Ontario Agra.
(905) 386-1744 | sales@ontarioagra.ca | 5377 Elcho Road, Wellandport, ON
