Celebrate Local Food Week

Here are some fast facts about farms in Kawartha Lakes:

• 1265 farms in Kawartha Lakes
• 206 farms sell directly to consumers
• 192 farms have farm gate sales, stands, kiosks or U-pick
• 33 farms sell at farmers' markets
• 27 farms sell value added farm products
• 14 farms have Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) Programs

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Agriculture

Why buy locally?

When you buy locally-grown fruits, vegetables, meats and other products, you:

• support our local farm community and the farm families who produce the food
• preserve our local farmland
• help the environment by reducing "food miles"
• expand the local food market
• build relationships with the farmers growing your food
• gain understanding and trust
• experience agriculture up close

Throughout the summer, local farmers offer a wide selection of farm fresh vegetables, fruits, beef and lamb, sweet corn, flowers and shrubs, while local producers showcase their fresh baked goods, honey, homemade preserves, soaps and lotions, and handmade crafts.

Farmers' Markets provide residents and visitors an opportunity to explore on foot downtown areas and experience the best of our small town charm. Developed by a number of dedicated individuals and local businesses, their main objective is to bring local food to local consumers.

Residents and seasonal visitors enjoy congregating at the market to get their weekly 'fix' of locally grown and produce foods. A wide selection of local food, produce, baking and a wide selection of handmade crafts can be found at the Farmers' Markets.

Farmers' Markets across Kawartha Lakes

There are four farmers' markets across Kawartha Lakes and all are members of Kawartha Choice FarmFresh. More information and other places to find local farm produce is available in the Kawartha Choice FarmFresh Map and Guide. Receive a copy by calling 705-324-9411 extension 1208 or visiting www.KawarthaChoice.com.

For further information, please contact:

Kelly Maloney
Agriculture Development Officer, Economic Development
705 324 9411 extension 1208
kmaloney@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca
@KMaloneyAg