OFA approves another year of funding in support of Farmers’ Markets Ontario

GUELPH – Ontario farmers’ markets will receive another year of financial support aimed at strengthening local food connections, following a new funding commitment from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

The organization’s board has approved $50,000 in funding for a cost-share program delivered by Farmers’ Markets Ontario, continuing an initiative that has supported local markets across the province over the past two years.

The program is designed to help farmers’ markets promote Ontario-grown food and the producers behind it, with the goal of increasing customer traffic, awareness and sales.

“Farmers’ markets are one of the most direct ways Ontarians can connect with the people who grow their food,” said OFA director Marnie Wood. “Continuing this program means more support for farmers who sell locally and more opportunities for consumers to choose fresh, Ontario-grown products.”

Funding will again be distributed through a shared-cost model, with participating markets required to match 50 per cent of eligible project costs, up to $2,500 per initiative. Eligible projects include marketing campaigns, on-site promotions and special events aimed at highlighting local farmers and their products.

The renewed investment follows what organizers describe as a strong year for the program in 2025. With OFA’s $50,000 contribution, 33 markets participated in the initiative, supporting projects with a combined value of $155,863. Those efforts generated an estimated province-wide economic impact of more than $500,000.

“This partnership continues to deliver real value for farmers, for markets and for communities,” said Elmer Buchanan, chair of Farmers’ Markets Ontario. “By supporting local promotion and innovation at the market level, we’re helping markets grow their reach, strengthen customer loyalty and showcase the important role farmers play in feeding our communities.”

The initiative aligns with OFA’s broader efforts to strengthen Ontario’s local food system and raise the profile of agriculture through campaigns such as Home Grown, Local Food Week and Ontario Agriculture Week.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture represents about 38,000 farm families across the province, while Farmers’ Markets Ontario represents more than 180 member markets.