New funding program to promote Ontario farmers, farmers’ markets

A new cost-share funding program has been launched to support marketing projects promoting Ontario farmers at farmers’ markets across the province. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is contributing $50,000 to the initiative as a result of a first-ever partnership with Farmers’ Markets Ontario (FMO). 

Under the new program, funding will be available for marketing and awareness projects to promote and support local farmers who are participating at farmers’ markets. Individual farmers’ markets can apply to FMO for up to 50 per cent of their total project costs to a maximum of $2,500 in grant funding. The program will be administered by FMO. 

“Farmers’ markets are one of the strongest direct links between farmers and consumers, and OFA is proud to partner with FMO to strengthen those connections even further,” says OFA President Drew Spoelstra. “This new partnership is an excellent complement to the OFA’s Home Grown campaign, which focuses on raising awareness of the bounty of food, fibre, fuel and flowers we produce here in Ontario.” 

“Active and prosperous farmers’ markets contribute vibrant, healthy communities and we are excited to launch this new collaboration with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and shine a spotlight on the farmers who play such key roles at local markets,” Elmer Buchanan, vice chair of FMO and director with the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture, said in the release.

“More than a million Ontarians shop at farmers’ markets, making FMO members a key pillar of a strong and growing local food value chain in our province.” 

Application forms and programs will be available through Farmers’ Markets Ontario in April. Applicants must be a member of Farmers’ Markets Ontario to apply.