The Ontario government has committed up to $1.6 million over the next four years to enhance the visibility of locally grown fruits such as peaches, plums, and pears in retail settings. This initiative, announced by Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rob Flack, aims to make it easier for consumers to identify and select produce grown within the province.
During the announcement, Metro Ontario district manager Norma Boyle emphasized the importance of positioning Ontario products prominently in stores to facilitate local choices for customers. The government's investment will support the acquisition of 7,000 display bins annually for four years, highlighting Ontario-grown fruits such as nectarines, peaches, apricots, plums, fresh table grapes, cherries, and pears. The Ontario Tender Fruit Growers will co-fund these displays, covering half of the costs.
Phil Tregunno, chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers, expressed gratitude for the government's support, noting the positive impact of making local produce easily identifiable in stores. The initiative is not only aimed at promoting local agriculture but also at supporting the province's economic growth, with the agriculture and food sector being a significant contributor to Ontario's GDP and employment.
Source: wellingtonadvertiser.com
