It will soon be easier for Ontarians to buy local apples and other tree fruit when grocery shopping. Ontario Apple Growers is receiving cost share funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs to support promotional activities for the next two years.
“We are excited at the diverse range of promotional activities we will be able to undertake to promote local food production and talk to Ontarians about the quality and sustainability of locally grown tree fruit,” says grower Cathy McKay, chair of the Ontario Apple Growers. “Ontario apple and tender fruit growers have seen tremendous support from consumers, particularly since the pandemic, and we look forward to reaching even more Ontarians through this campaign.”
Cathy McKay, chair of the Ontario Apple Growers says Ontario apple and tender fruit growers have seen tremendous support from consumers, particularly since the pandemic and look forward to reaching even more Ontarians through this campaign.
With the funding, Ontario Apple Growers is working with Ontario Tender Fruit Growers to promote seven different tree fruit crops that grow in Ontario: apples, peaches, pears, nectarines, plums, apricots and tart red cherries. A digital campaign on social media, television and radio will enhance awareness and support for local food by informing consumers which tree fruit is available and where, what is on sale every week during the growing season and what shoppers should look for in stores to find the fruit of their choice.
Transit and billboard ads placed throughout the Greater Toronto Area, along with point-of-sale materials, recipe cards, in-store displays and sampling events will inspire consumers to support local food production. In addition, food influencer tours will give participants behind-the-scenes access to food production.
Phil Tregunno, chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers, says research shows Ontarians want to eat more local food.
“Recent research has shown us that Ontarians want to eat more local food. As growers, we have a real opportunity to connect and engage with consumers about locally grown tree fruit,” says grower Phil Tregunno, chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers.
“We are proud to support the Ontario Apple Growers working with Ontario Tender Fruit Growers to promote Ontario grown apples,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By supporting our farmers in promoting the good things that grow in Ontario, we are making sure consumers can choose to buy local food.”
For more information:
Cathy McKay
Ontario Apple Growers
Tel: +1 (905) 440-0966
naturesbounty@xplornet.com
Kelly Ciceran
Ontario Apple Growers
Tel: +1 (905) 688-0990
kciceran@onapples.com
www.onapples.com
Phil Tregunno
Ontario Tender Fruit Growers
Tel: +1 (905) 984-0437
ptregun@gmail.com
Sarah Marshall
Ontario Tender Fruit Growers
Tel: +1 (905)688-0990
sarah@ontariotenderfruit.ca
www.ontariotenderfruit.ca