Training event for local food producers

People looking to start or expand a food production business to sell locally to restaurants, smaller food stores, or online are invited to a one-stop-shop training event on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.

The "A to Z of Getting Your Food Products to Market" is a full-day session hosted by the City of Kingston, the Township of South Frontenac and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). It will feature representatives from KFLA Public Health, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and local businesses, who will be on hand to provide all the tools and resources needed to get your food to market.

“If you’ve ever dreamed of getting into the food production business, there are many resources available to make that dream come true,” says Tracey Snow, Manager, Rural Economic & Community Development. “By bringing everyone together in one place, we can share this wealth of knowledge, support local businesses and encourage those who want to become local producers to do so.”

The training session is open to anyone, whether you’re looking to sell that secret family recipe people always ask for, you’re considering a side gig or full-time operation, or for farmers and artisans who are already producing food products.

The event will take participants through every step, from renting and using a commercial kitchen, to understanding regulations and food safety requirements, to getting products on the shelves.

South Frontenac has one commercial kitchen available to rent and Kingston has three. These state-of-the-art facilities are accessible to anyone looking to produce and sell food products.

“There is a market for local food in our region and many of our local food producers and business owners have expressed their willingness to support these ventures,” says Snow. “We want this event to help establish these connections and serve as a steppingstone to get people started.”

Those who are interested in registering for the A to Z of Getting Your Food Products to Market can register here. Space is limited. The cost is $10 per person and includes lunch. 

For more information, contact Abryant Peller at abryant-peller@cityofkingston.ca or by phone at 343-363-0714.