Ontario farmers' markets see huge boost in VQA wine sales

More than $1 million of local wine has been purchased at farmers' markets in Ontario since the province started allowing those sales last year.

Ontario's first Local Food Report says that to date 75 wineries and 140 farmers' markets have participated in the VQA wine sales.

A year from now the next report will outline progress toward food literacy goals.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs wants to increase the number of Ontarians who cook local foods at home, who know what local foods are available, and where and how to get them.

According to a Foodland Ontario survey, two-thirds of grocery shoppers can identify half or more of the produce grown seasonally in the province, but only about 40 per cent can name at least one product grown throughout the year in Ontario.

More than 80 per cent of shoppers could identify Ontario-grown fruits and vegetables, whereas 55 per cent could identify Ontario-produced meat.