Training Event Offers One-Stop-Shop for Local Food Producers

Published on: 2023/01/09 - in News

Aspiring food producers in the City of Kingston and Township of South Frontenac are invited to attend a full-day training session on Friday, February 10, aimed at helping them get their products to market.

Hosted by the City of Kingston, the Township of South Frontenac, and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the “A to Z of Getting Your Food Products to Market” event will feature representatives from KFLA Public Health, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and local businesses, who will provide attendees with the tools and resources needed to succeed in the food production industry.

“If you’ve ever dreamed of getting into the food production business, there are many resources available to make that dream come true,” said Tracey Snow, Manager of Rural Economic & Community Development. “By bringing everyone together in one place, we can share this wealth of knowledge, support local businesses, and encourage those who want to become local producers to do so.”

The training session is open to anyone, whether they are looking to sell a beloved family recipe, start a side gig or full-time operation, or are already producing food items as farmers or artisans. Attendees will learn about every step of the process, from renting and using a commercial kitchen to understanding regulations and food safety requirements to getting products on the shelves.

Kingston and South Frontenac both have state-of-the-art commercial kitchens available for rent, and there is a strong demand for locally-produced food in the region. “Many of our local food producers and business owners have expressed their willingness to support these ventures,” said Snow. “We want this event to help establish these connections and serve as a stepping stone to get people started.”

Anyone interested in registering for the “A to Z of Getting Your Food Products to Market” training session can do so online.


Photo: Pixabay (cc)