“Our province (Ontario) is home to a bounty of fresh tender fruits sought after world-wide. Through this cost-share investment with the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers, we are ensuring more people can identify and choose locally grown fruit,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
These comments were made when the Ontario government announced it iis committing $1.6 million over four years to bolster the province’s tender fruit industry.
This funding will support Ontario Tender Fruit Growers in purchasing display bins branded with the recognizable Foodland Ontario logo.
The initiative aims to increase the visibility of locally grown fruits in grocery stores and encourage consumers to choose seasonal, Ontario-produced options.
Flack continued his comments saying, "“Many purchase decisions are made at the point of sale, so these bins will help consumers source the best fruit available while supporting our farmers and strengthening our provincial economy.”
The Foodland Ontario logo is a well-known symbol of locally grown produce, and its presence on display bins will help shoppers quickly identify Ontario-grown peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums, apricots, grapes, and pears.
This increased visibility is expected to boost demand for these products, benefiting both consumers and producers.
“On behalf of growers, I extend our sincere appreciation for this support,” said Phil Tregunno, Chair, Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. “These display bins help elevate awareness of local tender fruit and ensure consumers can easily identify what is grown close to home.”
This investment aligns with the province’s Grow Ontario Strategy, which targets a 30% increase in consumption of locally grown food by 2032.
By making it easier for consumers to choose Ontario tender fruits, the government is taking a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The tender fruit sector is a vital part of Ontario’s agriculture industry, generating over $85 million in farm gate value in 2023.
The government’s contribution of $1.6 million is matched by the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers, demonstrating a strong partnership between the industry and the province.
This initiative is expected to create jobs, stimulate the economy, and strengthen the province’s food supply chain.