Local Food Act, 2013, S.O. 2013, c. 7

• Jurisdiction: Ontario

Local Food Act, 2013

S.o. 2013, chapter 7

Consolidation Period: From May 18, 2023 to the e-Laws currency date.

Last amendment: 2021, c. 39, Sched. 2, s. 13.

Preamble

Ontario has robust and resilient local food systems: a highly productive agricultural land base, a favourable climate and water supply, efficient transportation and distribution systems, and knowledgeable, innovative farmers, food processors, distributors, retailers and restaurateurs. These resources help ensure that local food systems thrive throughout the province, allowing the people of Ontario to know where their food comes from and connect with those who produce it.

The variety of food produced, harvested and made in Ontario reflects the diversity of its people. This variety is something to be celebrated, cherished and supported. Strong local and regional food systems deliver economic benefits and build strong communities.

Maintaining and growing Ontario’s local and regional food systems requires a shared vision and a collaborative approach that includes working with public sector organizations. The process of setting goals and targets to which the people of Ontario can aspire provides an opportunity to work with industry, the public sector and other partners to promote local food and to develop a shared understanding of what needs to be done to support local food in Ontario.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Purposes

1 The purposes of this Act are as follows:

1. To foster successful and resilient local food economies and systems throughout Ontario.

2. To increase awareness of local food in Ontario, including the diversity of local food.

3. To encourage the development of new markets for local food. 2013, c. 7, s. 1.

Definitions

2 In this Act,

“agency of the Government of Ontario” means a public body designated in regulations made under the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006; (“organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario”)

“hospital” means,

(a) a hospital within the meaning of the Public Hospitals Act,

(b) a private hospital within the meaning of the Private Hospitals Act that received public funds in the previous fiscal year of the Government of Ontario, and

(c) the University of Ottawa Heart Institute/Institut de cardiologie de l’Université d’Ottawa; (“hôpital”)

“local food” means,

(a) food produced or harvested in Ontario, including forest or freshwater food, and

(b) subject to any limitations in the regulations, food and beverages made in Ontario if they include ingredients produced or harvested in Ontario; (“aliments locaux”)

“Minister” means, unless the context requires otherwise, the Minister of Agriculture and Food or such other member of the Executive Council as may be assigned the administration of this Act under the Executive Council Act; (“ministre”)

“ministry” means, unless the context requires otherwise, the ministry of the Minister; (“ministère”)

“public sector organization” means,

(a) a...