GUELPH, ON [February 21, 2024] – A new cost-share funding program was announced today that will support marketing projects to promote 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).

“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.”

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% of their total project costs to a maximum of $2,500 in grant funding. The program will be administered by FMO.

“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,” says Elmer Buchanan, Vice Chair of FMO and director with the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture. “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.

About Ontario Federation of Agriculture
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. Home Grown is a public awareness initiative of the OFA to advocate for the importance of Ontario farms as a source of food, fibre, fuel and flowers.

About Farmers’ Markets Ontario
Farmers’ Markets Ontario is a not-for-profit organization representing over 180 farmers’ markets in Ontario. FMO is the only recognized provincial voice for farmers’ markets and dedicated to assisting and supporting their efforts. Ontario’s farmers’ markets contribute an estimated $2.47 billion dollars annually to the provincial economy in direct, indirect and induced economic impacts. 

For more information:

Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883 ext. 218 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Catherine Clark
Executive Director, Farmers’ Markets Ontario
613-475-4769 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.