TORONTO - Ontario's agriculture minister is urging the province's restaurants to serve more locally grown products to help support the agriculture industry.
Leona Dombrowsky sampled a special "grown in Ontario'' menu at an Il Fornello restaurant Thursday to promote the province's new $12.5-million Pick Ontario Freshness campaign.
Il Fornello is one of the first Toronto restaurant chains to offer local menu choices that vary by growing season, and diners can take home a list of its Ontario food suppliers.
"I would hope that this trend will catch on right across the province,'' Dombrowsky said.
"That's a very easy sell. In Ontario we produce the safest and best quality food products of anywhere in the world.''
Dombrowsky said certain sectors of Ontario's agriculture industry are facing challenges, and that over the long term, a sustainable way to support farmers is to promote their food products.
When consumers buy Ontario products, they support farmers and enable them to rely less on government subsidies, she said.
"Farmers tell me they don't want to get their cost of production from the government, out of the mailbox -- they want it from the marketplace,'' she said.
Dombrowsky said the ministry will be officially launching the Buy Ontario, Buy Local strategy next week. The campaign aims to generate more demand for local foods across the province, such as organic flours, meats, fruits and vegetables.
Il Fornello president Ian Sorbie said using local foods means his restaurants are able to use the freshest products, and helps to make people aware of their quality and availability.
Sorbie said he was inspired by the products of organic farmers and cheese makers he bought at roadside stalls during weekend visits to Prince Edward County.
"I thought, this has to be able to be eaten in Toronto as well. I could taste the difference.''
While some of the items are more expensive, Sorbie said it's worth it for the added flavour and nutrition.
Il Fornello worked with non-profit organization Local Flavour Plus to find suppliers, then created a special seasonal menu that currently includes sweet potato soup, goat cheese and smoked trout, organic spelt fettuccine, and strawberry shortcake, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
The certification program lets consumers know they are buying from farmers and processors who use environmentally and socially responsible food production.
