Dec. 10, 2014, Toronto — With the holiday season upon us, now is the perfect time to explore the many ways that locally-grown and produced food, beverages and flowers can be included in your holiday celebrations.
From mains made of meat, poultry and fish, to sides of vegetables and bread, and even desserts made with dairy products, honey and eggs – there are countless items that are locally grown, harvested or made right here in Ontario.
Here are some tips to make Ontario food, beverages and flowers a part of the holiday season:
• Not sure what’s available and in season? Check out Foodland Ontario’s availability guide or finding local food web page to learn more, or speak with your local farmer, grocer, butcher or fishmonger.
• Want to meet the farmers who grow and raise your food? Make a trip out of it and take your family to an “open all-year” farmers’ market or farm to learn about where our food comes from.
• Hoping to try something different this holiday season? Check out Foodland Ontario’s website for holiday recipe ideas and “freshen” up your family’s favourite dishes.
• Looking for that perfect wine or beer to give as a gift or enjoy with a meal? Choose from Ontario’s craft beer, cider, or world class wines including VQA, red, white, sparkling, fruit and ice wines.
¥ Food isn’t the only way to add a little ‘local’ to your holidays. Decorate your home with locally grown holiday flowers such as a festive Ontario grown poinsettia or amaryllis.
Supporting locally grown food, beverages and flowers is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
• Ontario’s agri-food sector contributes over $34 billion to the province’s economy and supports more than 760,000 jobs.
• Since 2003, the province has invested approximately $140 million to help support sales of Ontario foods.
• The Local Food Fund supports innovative local food projects that increase demand and sales of Ontario food, stimulate new investment and strengthen Ontario’s agri-food sector.
In 2013, Ontario’s total agri-food exports exceeded $11 billion – an increase of more than 9 per cent from 2012.
Read about what Ontario is doing to promote local food.
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