Buying local is more than a purchase, it is an investment in Ontario’s and Canada’s future. In times of uncertainty, Canadians have shown what matters most. During the Covid-19 pandemic, communities rallied behind local businesses, farmers and food producers to keep them operating during unprecedented challenges. Today, a changing geopolitical landscape, trade uncertainty and renewed conversations about strengthening Canada’s economy have inspired many Canadians to look closer to home when making purchasing decisions. Every dollar spent locally is more than a transaction; it is an investment in our farmers, our communities, our local businesses and all the points along the entire value chain that are connected with the food that ends up at our table.
Ontario’s agri-food sector isn’t just another industry—it’s one of the province’s largest economic engines. Every purchase of Ontario-grown or Canadian-made products helps sustain farmers, processors, truck drivers, retailers, restaurants and thousands of small businesses that employ one in every nine Ontarians (Government of Ontario, 2026). Ontario’s agri-food sector generated roughly $52 billion in GDP in 2025. Furthermore, 60 percent of the food produced in the province is consumed right here in Ontario. This creates an opportunity for consumers to strengthen their local food systems through their purchasing decisions (Government of Ontario, 2025).
Buying local doesn’t require changing everything you purchase. Small choices made consistently can have a significant impact. Choosing in-season, Ontario-grown produce at your local farm stand or grocery store identified with the Foodland Ontario logo, buying meat from a local producer, visiting a farmers’ market or selecting products made on- farm with locally grown ingredients help keep more dollars circulating within our local economy. Supporting local is no longer limited by location—many farms and food businesses now offer online shopping, bringing fresh, Ontario-grown and made products directly to your doorstep. Locally made food products also make thoughtful and memorable gifts, allowing you to share the flavours of Ontario while supporting local farmers and food businesses.
Finding Local Has Never Been Easier
Supporting local has never been more convenient. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, planning a weekend outing or choosing a restaurant, Ontario offers excellent resources that make discovering local food businesses simple. For those looking to find Ontario food businesses, the Foodland Ontario Local Food Map is a great resource https://www.ontario.ca/foodland/page/find-and-buy-local-food . Between April 2025 and March 2026, the map attracted more than 35,000 visits and highlighted 409 food businesses, 155 farmers markets and 1,261 grocery stores. This tool makes it easier for consumers to source local food options and incorporate Ontario products into their routine shop (Government of Ontario, 2026).
Many municipalities and regions across Ontario also offer Buy Local maps and directories that make it easy to discover nearby farms, farm markets, on-farm stores and local food businesses where you can purchase fresh, locally produced food and other artisan products. Check to see if one is available for your area. Many farm markets and on-farm stores offer more than fresh produce.
Another resource to help source Ontario’s local food is using Feast On https://www.ontarioculinary.com/businesses-restaurants/ to find restaurants committed to sourcing local ingredients. Visitors can also explore Agritourism Ontario https://agritourismontario.com to find farms, markets and agricultural experiences across the province. Farmers’ Markets Ontario https://farmersmarketsontario.com/markets supports farmers markets across the province, making it easier for consumers to find local producers and shop directly from the people who grow their food (Government of Ontario, 2026). The next time you’re planning a grocery trip or heading out for a meal with family, consider using one of these resources to discover local food options.
Looking for your next adventure? The latest Agritourism Ontario, “ON Farm Fun” app makes it easy to discover farms, orchards, wineries, markets, festivals and unique rural experiences across the province—perfect for creating lasting memories with family and friends. You can download the free ON Farm Fun app directly on your mobile device by searching for it on the ON Farm Fun – Apps on Google Play for Android or the ON Farm Fun – App Store for iOS devices.
Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian, Every Day
While Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian Day held on the last Friday of every June serves as an annual reminder, supporting local shouldn’t be limited to one day each year. Every grocery trip is an opportunity to strengthen Ontario’s food system. Every visit to a farmers’ market helps sustain family farms. Every meal made with Ontario ingredients supports local jobs and businesses. The choices we make every day determine the kind of communities we build tomorrow. When we choose Ontario-grown. When we choose Canadian-made. When we choose local—we all benefit throughout the entire value chain.
Buy Ontario. Buy Canadian. Support local.