I am thrilled to celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day and the book lunch of The Whole Hog at Guelph’s Market Fresh location, highlighting sustainable farm-to-fork stories.

As the mayor of Guelph, I have to mention our city’s reputation as an agricultural research and innovation hub. Guelph has over 40 research institutes and over 30 Agri-Innovation industry associations. We’re home to the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and countless farmers and food producers.

Not to mention the amazing work of Our Food Future, a joint effort between the City of Guelph and County of Wellington, focusing on building Canada’s first tech-enabled circular food economy. Our goal is to achieve a 50 per cent increase in access to affordable nutritious food, create 50 new circular economy businesses and collaborations, and a 50 per cent increase in circular economic benefit by unlocking the value of waste.

Today’s event is a wonderful way to highlight the collaborative work of organizations in Guelph to bring local, fresh food to our community. Organizations like Feed Ontario, the province’s largest collective of hunger-relief organizations, including food banks and industry partners. Their amazing work to end hunger and poverty by delivering fresh and healthy food, developing innovative programming, and driving change through research and advocacy is inspirational. It is always a good time to support your local food banks and donate as part of food drives. In addition, proceeds from the sale of the Whole Hog book will go to support Feed Ontario.

#CndAgDay