Farm & Food Care’s (FFCO) annual conference received a healthy boost in funding of $547,200 for outreach initiatives over three years. Ontario’s ag minister Lisa Thompson underlined that the funding will support: 

-  FFCO’s Breakfast on/from the Farm events which provide a unique and personal experience for non-farming Ontarians to visit and explore agriculture with working farmers each year;

-  Farm tours for culinary students which allow them to learn about raising livestock and horticultural products they prepare in the kitchen;

-  Interviews, photography and videography showcasing seasonal agricultural workers and temporary foreign workers in Ontario for the More than a Migrant Worker initiative

-  The Garden in a Box program that connects home gardeners with Ontario farmers;

-  Numerous digital consumer outreach activities including virtual field trips highlighting the diversity of farms and food processing facilities to consumers.

“Ensuring Ontarians have the facts on where their food comes from, how it grows, and how it is made is key to growing the next generation of leaders for Ontario’s agri-food sector,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This important investment will empower Farm and Food Care Ontario to deliver these critical programs.”

As a registered charity, Farm & Food Care Ontario funding largely comes from farmers, farm organizations, agribusinesses and others through memberships and program partnerships. This is the first time that Farm & Food Care has received funding from the provincial government for public trust work. 

Source:  Farm & Food Care Ontario April 13, 2022 news release