Farmers have always been adaptable and resilient. Facing fluctuating weather, markets and diets, they have always found a way to continue their important work, and keep our communities fed.
This season, has brought new challenges that many would’ve never expected, not only has there been a massive drought, but a global pandemic hit right at the beginning of the season, forcing farmers to adapt on the fly and pivot into new ways of distributing and selling their products. Here in the Kawartha region, we are lucky to have so many amazing farmers (learn more about some of them in these great videos!)
It is no surprise to anyone that knows these farmers that they were able to come up with creative solutions quickly, and continue to provide our region with fresh, healthy, amazing locally grown goods throughout it all.
Although most of our local Farmers’ Markets have been able to re-open safely, at the beginning of the season there were a lot of unknowns including whether many of the places where farmers sold their food would be available. Restaurants were shutting their doors, farmers markets scrambling to figure out ways to safely open, and many other avenues for sales seemingly drying up over night.
Many farms worked hard to come up with great solutions, they opened up or expanded hours of their farm stands and CSA’s (Community Shared Agriculture), they partnered with stores that were doing curb side pick up (e.g Peterborough Food Shop) and like they always do, farmers got creative.
Some amazing local examples include:
Three Forks Farms expanded their on-line order & delivery services
Riel Acres built a beautiful farm stand and opened up shop Wednesdays and Saturdays
McLeans Berry Farm set-up an on-line ordering shop to customers could pre-order to pick up at market & adapted their U-pick protocols often to keep the public safe.
These are just a few of many amazing examples!
Now more than ever, it is important to support these farms. Not only are you helping farmers weather this storm, but you are contributing to our local economy and getting incredible fresh, local food in return!
Be sure to explore this website and our social media to find ways to support these farmers locally, learn where to purchase their great food direct, or from those that are helping distribute products.
Tell us about how you accessed local food during Covid-19, what farmers went above and beyond, are you having trouble finding local food? Check us out on social media @localfoodptbo and use #localfoodptbo to showcase your story, farmers & customers, we want to hear from you.
It’s harvest time, now is the time to stock up, preserve and enjoy all the bounty that our region has to offer!
