Finding the Farmer's Gate

With a little planning you can track down the freshest fruit and veg in cottage country.

One of the pleasures of the cottage drive is stopping at the farm-gate fruit and vegetable stands along the way, but spotting them used to require a watchful eye and a bit of luck to arrive during business hours. Now, many local farm and tourism groups print maps of their region or create websites showing farmers’ markets and stands, and restaurants featuring local agricultural products. No matter how you find the farm, it’s always best to call ahead to check on hours of operation and what’s in season.

Harvest Ontario

www.harvestontario.com
This organization promotes agri-tourism, and has listings of farms with roadside stands or pick-your-own fields, as well as farmers’ markets, country B & Bs, wineries, and other rural attractions across the province.

Farmers’ Markets Ontario

www.farmersmarketsontario.com
This website, operated by the association representing farmers’ markets in the province, includes an easy-to-use market locator.

 

Vitality Magazine’s Annual Guide to Organics

www.vitalitymagazine.com/annual_guide_to_organics
Vitality Magazine, a Toronto-based wellness publication, produces an annual guide to organic foods. The online version includes listings of southern Ontario organic farms, outlets, events, and restaurants.

Local Flavours

www.localflavours.org
Part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, this program promotes growers in the area surrounding Brockville, Ont. The website includes searchable listings and a map of producers.

Kawartha Choice

www.kawarthachoice.com
This site contains listings of farm-gate sales, farmers’ markets, restaurants, and retailers that sell farm products – some as exotic as emu oil and elk meat – grown in the Kawartha region.

EcoPerth

www.ecoperth.on.ca
Heading to Lanark County in eastern Ontario? Visit EcoPerth’s website and click on the link for “Local Flavour Campaign” for information on farm-gate sales, outlets for local agricultural products, and more.

Foodlink Waterloo Region

www.foodlink-waterlooregion.ca
A large site focusing on Waterloo region, including well organized listings of farmers’ markets and farm-gate sales, pick-your-own growers, as well as maple syrup, cider, and honey producers.

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For creative ideas on what to do with all of the fresh produce you pick up, visit Cottage Life’s online library of recipes.