With more than 200 different crops and livestock being grown, produced or raised on Ontario soil, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate Local Food Week 2023. 

Designated annually in the first full week of June — this year, June 5th to 10th — Local Food Week is a celebration of the bounty of fresh, healthy food grown, produced and processed in Ontario. It’s the perfect month to commemorate local food as the growing season gains momentum, with early season favourites such as asparagus, field strawberries and rhubarb available. Farmers work daily to grow and produce fresh, safe and nutritious food for all Ontarians to enjoy — and perhaps the easiest place to enjoy a broad range of locally grown and raised food is at a nearby farmers’ market.

“Farmers’ markets can be found in almost every community across the province and are a great place for Ontarians to connect with the people who grow their food,” says Peggy Brekveld, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

Agriculture and agri-food contribute an estimated $47 billion to the provincial economy annually, making it one of the largest economic drivers in the province. From field-to-fork, more than 10 per cent of Ontario’s labour force is employed in the agri-food sector. 

There are an estimated 180 farmer’s markets across Ontario — plus countless road-side farmgate stands where farmers sell direct to passersby. Ontario produce currently in season includes asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, peppers, green beans, mushrooms, lettuce, radishes, spinach and lettuce, along with all meats and poultry. 

Source: Ontario Federation of Agriculture June 1, 2023 news release