Meet Mike Ecker, our latest Local Food Champion, whose leadership at Vineland Growers demonstrates the power of collaboration in strengthening Ontario’s local food system. As part of one of Ontario’s longest-standing agricultural co-operatives, Mike has helped champion family farms, build strong relationships with growers and retailers, and ensure high-quality,...read more
Something exciting is growing just north of Toronto. In King City, Ontario, Haven Greens is showing what is possible when Canadian agriculture meets the technology of tomorrow. Inside its state-of-the-art greenhouse, fresh leafy greens are grown year-round using artificial intelligence, automation, sensors and precision growing systems. It is a...read more
As more people look for ways to grow their own food, urban gardens are becoming an increasing part of communities and connection. Backyard vegetable beds offer a great opportunity to grow fresh produce. Joe Salemi of Landscape Ontario sees how landscaping can help bring these ideas to life....read more
Meet Kara Tremblay, our latest Local Food Champion from Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, whose work shows that growing food can grow so much more. From revitalizing a community garden and greenhouse to engaging youth, strengthening connections to land and culture, and helping advance a vision for food sovereignty, Kara is...read more
When we think about Canada’s food system, we often focus on the food that ends up on our own plates. However, there is another growing market creating opportunities for Canadian agriculture: pet food. Canada’s pet food market is significant and continues to grow. In 2024, Canadian retail sales of...read more
When farmers think about selling local food, correctional facilities may not be the first market that comes to mind. Yet correctional food services are part of Ontario’s broader public-sector food system, creating potential opportunities for producers, distributors and food businesses that can meet the requirements of institutional supply chains...read more
The Holland Marsh spans parts of Bradford West Gwillimbury and King Township, and farmers who live or operate land on both sides can currently find themselves working with two different sets of zoning rules. A collaborative project between the two municipalities is now working to create greater consistency across...read more