ONTARIO CELEBRATES FARMERS DURING LOCAL FOOD WEEK
The 2026 Local Food Report highlights businesses that are helping build a
stronger, more competitive and more resilient agri-food sector
June 01, 2026
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and AgribusinessTORONTO — 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 Reportcelebrates 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
Foodland OntarioFoodland Ontario Retailer AwardsMEDIA CONTACTS
Spencer Fair
Minister’s Office
Spencer.Fair@ontario.ca [Spencer.Fair@ontario.ca]
Connie Osborne
Communications Branch
OMAFRA.media@ontario.ca [OMAFRA.media@ontario.ca]
519-826-3145 [tel:5198263145]
