Support Your Local Farmer by Laura Fraser, OFA Member Service Representative, Oxford and Elgin Counties Laura.fraser@ofa.on.ca
Local Snapshot Elgin County CENSUS DIVISION
Agriculture at a Glance AS OF 202 4
Elgin
389,260 acres of farmland
1,408 farms
276 acres is the average sized farm
Local Farm Sales
With all the uncertainty surrounding us in today’s economy, one thing remains constant -- the need for local food
12% sell farm products directly to the consumer:
6 farms operate a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
and sustainable agriculture. In Ontario alone, the agri-food sector contributes over $50 billion to the economy every year. The sector also employs 11 percent of Ontario’s workforce, supporting 871,000 jobs and it generates $26.2 billion in exports every year. By supporting local farmers by purchasing their goods and services we help their businesses thrive and keep money in the community. Not to mention that local food systems ensure fresher, more nutritious options for consumers while building a connection between people and where their food comes from. At the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, we continue to provide resources to make sourcing local food easier. We recently added a new website to help consumers navigate branding and to know that their food is grown, raised and produced right here at home. To learn more, visit Buy Local: Discover Ontario agricultural products and support local businesses -- Ontario Federation of Agriculture at www.ofa.on.ca/buy-local. Elgin County is home to many farms that offer local food and goods right at our fingertips. Elgin County Eat Fresh, Buy Local: The ‘Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Elgin County’ brochure provides visitors and residents with a guide to eating fresh from the wide selection of Elgin County farms, which are great places to buy produce, meats, wine, honey and maple syrup. The flourishing agri-tourism business includes local wineries, organic and herb farms, as well as pick-your-own operations. This growing season, I encourage you to see what your local farmers have to offer and don’t forget you can always reach out to me or the Elgin Federation of Agriculture, elginfarmers@ gmail.com for more information! REAL LIVING Rural Elgin All articles written by Geoff Rae unless otherwise indicated. Copy Editor: Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher: Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood Photos, community events and article suggestions welcome. Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177
24 farms sell at farmers’ markets
123 farms sell directly from their farm, at stands, or pick-your-own
Economic Contributions in 202 3
Local Impact
Across the Province
Farm Cash Receipts
Farm cash receipts generated by local farms supported $1. 6 billion in GDP and 2 6 , 155 employees in the agri-food sector from farm to fork across Ontario
The local agri-food sector employed 5, 545 people through 1, 949 local agri-food business establishments
$ 832 million in Farm Cash Receipts
• Grains & Oilseeds • Field Vegetables • Dairy
Farm Facts
14.6% generate renewable energy, including solar, bioenergy and wind power
55.8% are small farms (less than $100,000 in revenue)
32.0% of farm operators are female
Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (202 4 ) County Profiles.
It’s our Rhubarb Sauce that made us famous! Join the Festivities!
Join the Festivities!
JUNE 7 & 8
Shedden Keystone Complex JUNE 10 & 11
Shedden Keystone Complex • Lion’s Breakfast • Music • Food • Vendors • Kids’ Zone • Yard Sales (Sat) • Largest Leaf & Stock Contest (Sat) • Car Show (Sun) • Non-demoninational Church Service (Sun) • Rosy’s Optimist Run (Sun)
• Yard Sales • Music • Food • Car Show • Vendors • Rosy Rhubarb Run • Horse Show Demonstration • Kids Zone plus Batman & Superhero Costume Contest 2025
Enjoy Everything Rhubarb Pies & Sauces
Camping Available
2023
CAMPING AVAILABLE
Full Schedule, Details & Updates on Facebook or rosyrhubarbfestival.com
Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Rhubarb Capital of Ontario
Experience Everything
Page 12 Real Living • Spring 2025
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