Ontario Celebrates Farmers During Local Food Week
- Stephen Lecce, MPP
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
TORONTO — Protecting Ontario’s agriculture and food industry is critical to strengthening the province’s food supply chain, supporting local jobs and building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant agri-food sector. This Local Food Week, from June 1-7, 2026, the Ontario government is recognizing the province’s hardworking farmers, food processors and agribusinesses whose work helps ensure families can continue to access Ontario’s world-class, healthy, safe and locally grown food.
“A strong local food supply is critical to the security of our province. When we choose to buy food grown and made in Ontario, we are helping to protect Ontario’s food independence,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Thank you to the farmers, food processors and people across the sector whose world-class food helps feed our province and the world.”
The 2026 Local Food Report celebrates the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer, as well as highlighting the businesses and organizations that are strengthening Ontario’s local food supply chain, supporting the economy and protecting Ontario’s food independence.
This year’s report features:
Penokean Hills Farms: Five Ontario beef farmers who grew their business into a Simmental-Angus beef brand that supports business across the Algoma region.
Produce Express: A company sourcing local food for school nutrition programs from a network of more than 300 Ontario producers, farmers and food processors.
King Cole Ducks: Canada’s largest duck producer, a 100 per cent locally owned, family-run and women-led business.
Taco House Co: A taco house that pivoted from importing products to sourcing from local farmers in the region.
This year’s Local Food Week also features the Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards program. Each year, grocery stores from across the province submit photos showcasing creative and innovative displays that promote fresh, in‑season Ontario fruits and vegetables. This year, 60 stores across the province are receiving recognition for their work, including Food Basics in Woodbridge where Minister Jones kicked off the 2026 award presentations.
Throughout the year, Foodland Ontario makes it easy for consumers to support local farmers and businesses by purchasing foods with the Foodland Ontario logo and by using the find and buy local food map. The province encourages Ontarians to support local farmers and businesses by purchasing foods with the Foodland Ontario logo, or, where possible, buying directly from farmers either on-farm or at their local farmers’ market.
Quick Facts
Ontario recognizes Local Food Week annually, beginning the first Monday in June.
The government is protecting our local food supply chain through the proposed Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026 and by reviewing the Grow Ontario Strategy to ensure it is responsive to the current needs of farmers and food producers to support long-term growth.
To find out which fruits and vegetables grow in Ontario and when they are at the peak of freshness, visit Foodland Ontario’s availability guide and check out their recipes.
2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer and in this year’s Local Food Report we celebrate the outstanding women leaders shaping Ontario’s local food supply chain.
Quotes
"Supporting Ontario produce and buying local has long been central to our approach at Metro and Food Basics. During Local Food Week, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible work of Ontario’s farmers and producers, and to partner with Foodland Ontario to bring fresh, locally grown food to our customers. We’re especially proud of our store teams across the province, whose creativity and dedication help showcase the best of Ontario produce every day."
- Paul Bravi
Executive Vice President of Ontario, METRO Inc.
Additional Resources
MEDIA CONTACT
Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan
Constituency Office
Tel.: 647-560-9700
Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org
Comments