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Ont. government supporting apple industry

The Ontario government is investing in Ontario’s apple industry to help increase sales of and demand for local Ontario apples while delivering products that consumers want.

The province is investing $221,500 to help growers and marketers increase sales. Efforts to promote local apples could include:

• New Ontario apple retail sampling programs
• An event to celebrate Ontario apples
• Culinary demonstrations to show consumers new ways of using Ontario apples

Jeff Leal, Ontario’s minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, made the announcement during an event to help launch Agriculture Week.

“Every year just prior to Thanksgiving we celebrate Agriculture Week,” he said. “This is a chance to pay tribute to Ontario’s farmers, whether they produce apples, cabbage or quinoa or raise livestock. I encourage all Ontarians to take advantage of the bounty of fresh, delicious local foods by visiting a fall fair, farmers’ market or on-farm market, and bring home fresh, local ingredients and products for your meals.”