Nov. 7, 2013, Toronto – Ontario is moving to help promote the good
things that are grown, harvested and processed in Ontario with this
week’s passage of the Local Food Act, 2013.
Nov. 7, 2013, Toronto – Ontario is moving to help promote the good things that are grown, harvested and processed in Ontario with this week’s passage of the Local Food Act, 2013.
The new legislation is part of a strategy to build Ontario’s economy by making more local food available in markets, schools, cafeterias, grocery stores and restaurants. This will create jobs and expand the province’s agri-food sector.
The new legislation – the first of its kind in Canada – will increase local food awareness, and boost sales by setting local food goals and targets in consultation with sector partners.
The act will also create a non-refundable tax credit of 25 per cent for farmers who donate their surplus harvest to eligible community food programs such as food banks. It also proclaims a Local Food Week that will take place annually, beginning the first Monday in June.
Building a stronger agri-food industry is part of the government’s economic plan to support a dynamic and innovative business climate, invest in people and invest in infrastructure.
“The Local Food Act will benefit people by making the connection between buying local and helping grow an important Ontario industry,” says Kathleen Wynne, premier of Ontario and minister of agriculture and food.
“If we increase demand to homegrown food, we will create jobs and boost the agri-food sector’s contributions to our economy.”
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