News
Ontario serves up Local Food Bill

March 25, 2013, Toronto, Ont – The Ontario government is re-introducing legislation that, if passed, would help make more local food available in markets, schools, cafeterias, grocery stores and restaurants throughout the province.

The Local Food Act aims to:

• Increase local food awareness, access and sales by setting local food goals and targets in consultation with stakeholders
• Enable government to work with public sector organizations toward these goals and share information on their progress and results
• Proclaim a “Celebrate Ontario Local Food Week” that would begin the Monday before Thanksgiving
• Require the government to produce a local food report on its activities to support local food

The proposed legislation is part of a broader local food strategy that encourages the growth and development of markets for foods grown and made in Ontario, and provides funding for innovative and collaborative local food projects.

Promoting local food is part of the Ontario government’s plan to strengthen the agri-food industry, build stronger communities and create jobs that will grow the economy.

“Eating local isn’t just good for Ontario families – it’s good for our economy,” said Premier Kathleen Wynne, who also serves as the Minister of Agriculture and Food. “That’s why our government will continue to work with the agri-food sector, including retailers and food service operators, to bring more Ontario food to the table.”

March 25, 2013  By Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food