Ontario Agriculture Minister Carol Mitchell (third from right) visits with members of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers at a farmers’ market on the lawn of Queen’s Park last week. PHOTO COURTESY OMAFRA

The province hosted a farmers’ market on the lawn of Queen’s Park last week, involving more than 20 exhibitors representing dozens of different fresh Ontario products including mushrooms, honey, ice cream and greenhouse vegetables.

As a result of government and industry efforts, more than 30 new members joined Farmers’ Markets Ontario over the last two years – which brings the total to 152. There are also 75 new members in the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association, bringing the total of registered on-farm markets to more than 300.

A strong agri-food industry supports the Open Ontario plan to create job and opportunities that will boost province’s economy.

“Choosing high quality, fresh Ontario foods supports our hard-working farmers, strengthens our communities, and protects our environment,” said Carol Mitchell, Ontario minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Since 2003, the Ontario government has invested more than $65 million to support local, fresh Ontario food initiatives and to encourage local organizations and businesses to promote and carry Ontario food products. It will also invest $40 million over the next two years to create new opportunities for Ontario’s agri-food industry.

The Ontario Market Investment Fund has provided more than $5 million to more than 100 local marketing projects since 2008.

The Foodland Ontario program now includes fresh meat, dairy and eggs in addition to fresh produce.

Consumer awareness of the Foodland Ontario brand is at an all time high – 96 per cent of grocery shoppers recognize the Foodland Ontario symbol.