NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGION
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York Region remains a destination of choice for food production. In York Region, there’s some 700 farms and that’s part of the reason why York Regional Council is committed to protecting agricultural and natural heritage lands.
York Region farms play an important role in the local economy and ability to provide healthy food and resources to our growing and diverse population. Many of York Region’s local farm families have worked the land for 150 years or more.
Did you know carrots, sweet corn, dry onions, celery and Chinese cabbage are the five largest vegetable crops? This harvest season pick up some locally grown ingredients and create some deliciously nutritious meals at home. This Harvest Muffin recipe uses locally grown carrots and apples that not only tastes great, but supports our local farm families.
We have highlighted nine farm-to-market destinations you can visit before the end of harvest season and the list doesn’t end here. Pick up a Farm Fresh map to discover and visit local farms, or participate in the Passport to Fresh contest and meet our farmers keeping things local.
Main Street Markham Farmers’ Market
An award-winning market where you can find fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods and much more, all while listening to live music. Open until Oct. 6 Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
East Gwillimbury Farmers’ Market
Meet local farm vendors selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, breads and sweets. Open until Oct. 4 Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Village Market in the City of Vaughan
The first organic farmers’ market in York Region (since 1991). Featuring local organic and biodynamic farmers. Open year-round. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Aurora Farmers’ Market and Artisan Fair
Feast your eyes on local farm-fresh vendors and artisans. Open until Oct., Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Newmarket Main Street Farmers’ Market
A place to buy farm fresh produce, home-made baking, hand-made crafts and a great place to meet friends. Open until the last Saturday of October. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hillcrest Farmers’ Market
Open for the past 12 years, this market boasts itself in selling local farm-fresh produce and eggs, baking, goat cheese, smoked meats, local honey and jams. Open until October, Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Simpson Family Farms
Although this is a family farm and not a traditional market, they are local vendors to many of the local markets. The family sells honey, potatoes, onions, carrots, beets and a variety of other seasonal vegetables. Open year-round. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pine Farms Orchard
Visit the bakery and café, or pick up some apples, honey or maple syrup. Open year-round. Seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Georgina Farmers’ Market
Featuring more than 30 local artists, artisans and vendors with a large variety of produce, meats and baked goods. Sunday, Sept. 30 is the last day. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Use #PassportToFresh and #loveyr to share your adventures and keep up-to-date on York Farm Fresh news by signing up to the newsletter here.
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