TORONTO — The Ontario government is supporting jobs in the province’s hospitality and agriculture sectors by allowing eligible local brewers to sell their beer at farmers’ markets. Expanding the farmers’ market program to include beer, announced in the 2021 Ontario Budget, is part of the government’s commitment to support brewers, winemakers and distillers working in the province’s alcohol manufacturing industries and to help them respond to the impacts of COVID-19.
This is a great combination for my constituency in Haldimand-Norfolk – and others whom have multiple farmers markets and many craft brewers.
“Our government is committed to supporting job growth in communities across Ontario by standing up for our vibrant hospitality, alcohol and agriculture sectors,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “Providing local brewers with the opportunity to join wineries, cideries and distillers in selling their products at farmers’ markets is another breakthrough for the many jobs and families that are supported by Ontario’s diverse alcohol manufacturing industry.”
Allowing the sale of locally-made craft beer at farmers’ markets builds on other measures to help businesses respond to COVID-19, including:
- permanently allowing restaurants and bars to sell alcohol with food takeout and delivery orders, including mixed cocktails and growlers
- reducing the minimum price of spirits consumed at licensed establishments to align with the reduced pricing introduced for takeout and delivery orders
- allowing the length of time for temporary patio extensions to be set out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
- permitting alcohol service on docked boats with a liquor sales licence
- giving licensed establishments and retailers more flexibility in using liquor delivery services
“Supporting local business has never been more important and our government is making it convenient for consumers to pair up eligible Ontario craft beer, wine, cider and spirits with all the fresh and delicious food found at farmers’ markets,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Supporting local producers shows our commitment to the province’s agri-food sector while creating more jobs for Ontarians.”
“Ontario’s local brewers play a key role in Ontario’s agri-food sector, supporting jobs and contributing to local economies across the province,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “With this expansion of the farmers’ market program, our government is continuing to support businesses as they respond to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while offering more choice and convenience for consumers.”
The government continues to support Ontario manufacturers and remains committed to supporting meaningful changes to the sale, service and delivery of alcohol to increase choice and convenience for consumers and create more opportunities for businesses to expand and grow while maintaining Ontario’s high standards for social responsibility.
Quick Facts
- Licensed eligible brewers across the province can apply to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to occasionally extend their on-site stores to sell Ontario beer at farmers’ markets.
- Brewers whose full brewing process takes place in Ontario at their own brewery are permitted to sell their products at farmers markets.
- There are more than 180 farmers’ markets in Ontario.
- The government is committed to upholding the highest standards for social responsibility, including the strong regulatory framework that is in place for alcohol sales, which includes a minimum age to purchase alcohol, mandatory staff training and minimum retail prices.
For the Silo, MPP Toby Barrett.
We know rural and small towns are the backbone of Ontario. Rural Ontario provides crucial sources of food, water, energy and recreation for the province.
There are 469 rural municipalities in Ontario – both Haldimand and Norfolk [my constituency] are among that number. Rural municipalities cover 96 per cent of Ontario’s land area, but account for 17 per cent of the total population. Given these numbers, it is easy to see how we are being left behind politically and economically.
We are different than urban folks. We have a different way of life. We can’t opt out of owning a vehicle or paying insurance because we have no public transportation. As a result, out-of-control gas prices and carbon taxes hit us harder. We understand the idea of clean/green energy but also know it comes with a significantly higher price with one of those prices being aesthetics as wind turbines dot rural landscapes. And, ‘shadow flicker’ is very real for the person in rural Ontario who may have turbines near their home. Losing valuable farm land to solar farms is another concern.
The list goes on, and although we love our way of rural life, we see the political and economic disparities and wish we could be treated fairly and equitably. I will be frank with you – I don’t see this respect restored anytime soon. Decisions are being made on how many votes can be had, and as the data above shows, the biggest bang for the vote is in the cities.
Fortunately, we have folks who work to ensure the rural voice is not forgotten entirely. The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), which is the rural voice of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), held its annual conference last week in Toronto. Both Haldimand and Norfolk mayors and representatives attended, taking key concerns for their respective municipalities to the Ontario government.
I sit on the Legislative Assembly’s Finance Committee, which is in the process of conducting hearings on pre-budget and Bill 46. I was disappointed committee hearings were scheduled at the same time as ROMA, forcing a very difficult decision. I cannot be in two places at once. I cannot send staff in my place for committee but I could for ROMA, so I went one way and my Communications Advisor went to support our mayors and municipalities.
When committee hearings began, I spoke on a Point of Order that the government must ensure these scheduling conflicts do not occur in the future when avoidable, as this was.
Both mayors kept me abreast of what was occurring at ROMA and we followed up with each other afterward. That’s how we get the best for HN!
Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin said her delegation has returned home energized and encouraged at future opportunities for the county. ROMA provided the county a chance to sit down with many ministries as well as others who can advocate for the area’s needs. A highlight of the trip was a meeting with the Ministry of Infrastructure to discuss the Inter Urban Water System. This is a project I will help move along.
Similarly, Mayor Bentley felt ROMA was a fulsome learning experience. She looks forward to following up with each minister with all the concerns Haldimand County took forward. She also found networking with other municipalities to be valuable.
While we may not always agree, maintaining a solid relationship with Haldimand and Norfolk is of utmost importance. I look forward to continuing to work with my municipal partners.
Bobbi Ann Brady MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk.