Province Recognizes Farmers, Food Producers and Retailers Supporting Ontario’s Food Supply Chain
The Ontario government is marking Local Food Week by recognizing the contributions of farmers, food processors and agribusinesses that continue to strengthen the province’s food supply chain and support economic growth across Ontario communities.
Running from June 1 to June 7, Local Food Week highlights the role of Ontario’s agriculture and food sector in maintaining food security, supporting local employment and increasing the province’s long-term economic resilience. The initiative also coincides with the release of the province’s 2026 Local Food Report, which profiles businesses and organizations contributing to Ontario’s domestic food production and distribution network.
Ontario’s agri-food industry remains one of the province’s largest economic sectors, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating billions in annual economic activity.
Province Focuses on Food Independence and Economic Resilience
The Ontario government says strengthening local food production remains a key priority as global supply chain pressures continue to affect food availability and pricing.
“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 province is also using this year’s campaign to highlight the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer. The 2026 Local Food Report includes several women-led and family-owned businesses operating within Ontario’s food and agricultural sector.
Among the organizations featured in the report is King Cole Ducks, identified as Canada’s largest duck producer and a fully locally owned, women-led business. The report also profiles Penokean Hills Farms, a group of five Ontario beef farmers who developed a Simmental-Angus beef brand serving the Algoma region.
Other businesses highlighted include Produce Express, which sources local food products for school nutrition programs through a network of more than 300 Ontario farmers and food processors, and Taco House Co., a business that shifted from imported ingredients to sourcing products from regional suppliers.
Foodland Ontario Campaign Continues to Promote Local Purchasing
The province is also recognizing retailers participating in the annual Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards program. The awards acknowledge grocery stores that develop creative displays promoting Ontario-grown fruits and vegetables during peak harvest seasons.
This year, 60 grocery stores across the province received recognition through the program. Food Basics in Woodbridge hosted the launch of the 2026 award presentations alongside Minister Jones.
Foodland Ontario continues to encourage consumers to purchase locally grown food through its branding initiatives and digital resources, including the province’s “find and buy local food” map and seasonal produce availability guide.
The province said consumers can further support Ontario’s food economy by shopping directly from farmers through on-farm markets and community farmers’ markets whenever possible.
Retail Sector Highlights Support for Ontario Farmers
Ontario-based grocery retailers say consumer demand for locally sourced food remains an important part of their business strategy.
“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.
Government Reviews Long-Term Agriculture Strategy
As part of broader efforts to strengthen Ontario’s agricultural sector, the province is reviewing its Grow Ontario Strategy to ensure it continues addressing the needs of farmers, food processors and agribusiness operators.
The government is also advancing the proposed Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026, legislation aimed at reinforcing the province’s domestic food production capacity and supply chain stability.
Ontario officially recognizes Local Food Week each year beginning on the first Monday in June. Provincial officials say the annual campaign remains an important opportunity to promote Ontario-grown products while increasing awareness of the businesses and workers supporting the province’s food economy.
The government also noted that Foodland Ontario’s online availability guide allows consumers to identify when Ontario-grown fruits and vegetables are at peak freshness throughout the year, helping households make more informed local purchasing decisions.
Featured Organizations in the 2026 Local Food Report
Penokean Hills Farms
- Simmental-Angus beef brand serving the Algoma region
Produce Express
- Supplies locally sourced food to school nutrition programs
King Cole Ducks
- Canada’s largest duck producer and women-led business
Taco House Co.
- Regional food business focused on sourcing from Ontario farmers