Let’s keep this momentum going and make buying local a lasting habit

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

It is unfortunate that it has taken political unrest to push Canadians toward prioritizing local businesses, but despite the circumstances, it is encouraging to see this shift finally happening. The recent surge in Buy Local initiatives, particularly in response to U.S. tariff discussions, has created a renewed focus on supporting homegrown industries. With spring just around the corner, there is no better time to explore the richness that Ontario has to offer.

In light of this growing movement, The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was recently contacted by The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) regarding an exciting initiative aimed at encouraging Ontarians to shop local. This effort seeks to strengthen our economy, empower small businesses, and highlight the incredible products available right in our own backyard.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the province and serving as the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA represents and champions the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more.

““By eating local, you are supporting farms, jobs and rural communities across our province.”

A public awareness initiative of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Home Grown’s objective is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving Ontario farmland, as well as recognizing the key role of Ontario farms as a source of food, fuel, fibre and flowers. They are also helping to develop a workable plan to guide responsible development in Ontario that will ensure growth to provide housing and support local tax bases in a way that does not encroach on farmland.

“Fresh, local food is a fundamental part of a healthy diet and as farmers, we are proud to grow and raise more than 200 different commodities that provide food for Ontarians,” says Drew Spoelstra, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. “By eating local, you are supporting farms, jobs and rural communities across our province, as well as lowering the carbon footprint of our food and helping to preserve our valuable farmland.” 

Despite it being the middle of winter, in grocery stores, at farmers’ markets and even at the farmgate, Ontario-grown and raised food is relatively easy to find, in the winter and all year long. Even during the cold winter months when most Ontario farms are dormant for the season, there are local food options in your neighbourhood grocery store or independent retailer (local foods are typically found in the outside aisles of the store) or local farmers’ market. Let’s take a glimpse at the treasure trove of goodness that we have surrounding us:

Field and orchard-grown fruit and vegetables

It may be winter, but some Ontario crops grown and harvested in summer and fall are available at this time of year as well.  Be on the lookout for Ontario: apples, carrots, cabbage, potatoes and root vegetables at your local grocer.

Meat and poultry

Ontario meat and poultry is always in season. Head to a local butcher shop or the meat section of your grocery store for fresh Ontario-raised meat and poultry and check the labels on processed meats for an Ontario designation to make a local choice.

Indoor grown produce

Canadian winters can be horribly miserable, but Ontario has a strong greenhouse industry and a growing controlled-climate vertical farming sector. Fresh and delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and strawberries are Ontario’s leading greenhouse crops, and vertical farms are producing Ontario-grown leafy greens, microgreens and baby greens that are on store shelves right now.

Dairy

Milk, cheese, cream, butter, yogurt, ice cream are all made with milk from Ontario farms and are available year-round.

Frozen foods

Many Ontario vegetables harvested in season are flash frozen, preserving their nutrients and keeping them available over the winter. Check the packaging for the product’s origin and choose Ontario.

Beer, cider, wine and spirits

Ontario craft producers of adult beverages use local ingredients. Craft brewers’ source local hops and cideries from Ontario orchards. The Ontario VQA medallion is an assurance that the wine in the bottle is made entirely from Ontario-grown grapes. The grains in craft spirits come from Ontario farms; in fact, for any Canadian whisky to be considered a Canadian whisky, the grains used must come from a Canadian farm.

Supporting local businesses isn’t just a trend—it’s a commitment to strengthening our communities, boosting our economy, and preserving the unique flavors and craftsmanship that make Ontario special. As we move into spring and beyond, let’s make a conscious effort to support our local farmers, artisans, and businesses—not just in moments of political uncertainty, but year-round. Every purchase is a vote for a thriving Ontario. So, whether it’s fresh produce from a nearby farm, handmade goods from a local market, or services provided by small business owners, let’s keep this momentum going and make buying local a lasting habit.

Learn more and sign up for regular updates on products grown and raised in Ontario at homegrownofa.ca.