On Thursday, April 25, 2019, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) advised that Farmers’ Markets Ontario will no longer receive ongoing financial support from the provincial government. In place of the annual funding, FMO and other organizations will be able to apply for a new OMAFRA project-based program. Details of the program have not yet been made public.

On behalf of the board and member markets, I would like to thank the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for the support FMO has received over the past 27 years. Together, we have had the opportunity to increase the impact that local farmers’ markets, farmers and market vendors have had on communities and economies across Ontario. We will continue to work with OMAFRA on the promotion and protection of Ontario food at markets.

We look forward to exploring new partnerships that will help us continue to serve, represent and grow the farmers’ market sector in Ontario. I would like to reassure our member markets and other partners that Farmers’ Markets Ontario will continue to operate. Our Executive Director, Catherine Clark, will continue in her role and will assist the board in seeking new partners and opportunities.

We welcome your input. Please let Catherine or I know if you have any questions or have suggestions for partnerships that FMO could explore.

Thank-you and here’s to a successful 2019 market season.

Jay Howell
Chair, Farmers’ Markets Ontario®