Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Wanted: Producers to supply product to the SCOR Food Hub

TILLSONBURG – The South Central Ontario Region (SCOR) Food Hub is seeking farmers and food producers who are interested in being part of the SCOR Food Hub project. The demand for Ontario food has never been stronger, with consumers applying pressure on retail, institutional, and foodservice operators to have an increase of local and regional options available. In order to meet this demand at a competitive price, the SCOR Food Hub project is working to establish efficient and cost-effective ways of bringing more of Ontario’s diverse, high-quality products to these markets.

“The original strategic plan for SCOR identified Accessing the Marketplace as the top priority for local producers,” says Art Lawson, General Manager of the SCOR Economic Development Corporation. “Continued growth and development of the region’s strong agricultural sector through new market opportunities and adding value to regional products remains a top priority.”

While there has been a significant increase in the amount of local food being sold directly to consumers, the institutional market has been much more difficult to access. According to the research conducted by Dr. John Kelly, we have identified market potential for local food procurement by the Broader Public Sector to be in excess of $100 Million per annum. This includes hospitals, long term care facilities, universities, schools, and correctional facilities.

Individual producers may have difficulty supplying large contracts, and navigating logistics and distribution barriers. Regional aggregators, often referred to as ‘Food Hubs” are a viable option for providing efficient local and regional value chain linkages to small and medium producers and processors. Given market trends, these services are instrumental in getting smaller enterprises access to mainstream foodservice and retail markets.

According to Bernia Wheaton, the Food Hub Project Manager, “We are now at a point where we would like to identify growers who are interested in supplying the SCOR Food Hub with locally grown product. This includes fruits, vegetables, meat fish and poultry, dairy and egg products, prepared foods, non-alcoholic beverages, and value added products suitable for institutional consumers.”

Once producers have been identified and a software system has been populated with available products, we can begin to respond to food procurement demands.

There is a significant opportunity to supply the local health care market with locally grown food. As the Material Management Analyst with MEALsource, Wendy Smith has indicated that, “As two of our current contract suppliers are located in Woodstock and London, the concept of well-functioning food hubs would certainly strengthen our ability to demand Ontario food where available. Streamlining logistics would battle what we are often told is the main barrier to providing fresh Ontario product to our membership. MEALsource and its membership are very excited to welcome the new business model into our process for healthcare procurement in Ontario.”

Anyone interested in supplying product or learning more about the opportunity should contact Bernia Wheaton, the Food Hub Project Manager at 226-921-5576 or email foodhub@scorregion.com or contact Art Lawson at (519) 842-6333.

Project Objectives:

  1. To increase the amount of regional food products purchased by Ontario’s wholesale distribution, foodservice, and retail markets
  2. To enhance the capacity of small and medium sized producers and processors to access mainstream distribution systems
  3. To identify specific institutional, retail, and foodservice market demand for local food products and the potential for regional aggregators to meet this demand.

Investment in this project is provided by the Greenbelt Fund

Source: Invest Middlesex

Views: 63

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Leif Carlson Named Vice President, Markets and Trade 

Cereals Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Leif Carlson to the position of Vice President, Markets and Trade, effective immediately. In this role, Carlson will lead efforts to expand and protect global market opportunities for Canada’s cereal crops. “Leif’s expertise, commitment to agriculture, and proven leadership continue to strengthen the Canadian cereals value chain,” said Dean Dias, Chief Executive Officer of Cereals Canada. “His leadership in this role will support dependable market access and sustained global demand for Canadian wheat, durum, barley, and oats.” In his previous role as Director of Market Intelligence and Trade Policy, Carlson championed the promotion of Canadian cereals and helped protect the interests of the value chain in global markets. Since September 2025, he has also represented the sector as a Director with the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), advocating for fair and predictable trade. Carlson holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a

Canada’s Ag Day: Celebrating Farmers Who Grow Their Best for the World

Every year, Canadian farmers combine expertise and innovation to grow their best for the world. Their commitment ensures that Canada continues to deliver wheat that meets the needs of millers, bakers, and consumers here at home and in over eighty countries around the globe. As we celebrate Canada’s Ag Day, we’re proud to recognize the dedication of the people whose work feeds families, supports our economy, strengthens rural communities, and helps sustain Canada’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality wheat. Highly valued for its high protein content, milling performance, and ability to produce great tasting foods—from breads and noodles to pastries and breakfast cereals—Canadian wheat is a top choice for millers and food manufacturers in more than 80 countries. Find out what makes Canadian wheat amongst the best in the world at Canadian Wheat—Quality You Can See and Taste

Grain sector warns of information gaps in AAFC research reductions, calls for immediate program impact disclosure

Grain Growers of Canada is calling on the federal government to provide clarity on the impacts of recent staffing reductions and announced closures or consolidations of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities, stating that downstream consequences cannot be assessed without clear, program-level information. “Transparency is essential when decisions affect the foundation of Canada’s agricultural research system,” said Scott Hepworth, chair of Grain Growers of Canada and Saskatchewan grain farmer. “Without clear disclosure of what research capacity is being reduced or eliminated, the sector cannot understand the long-term risks to production and competitiveness,” he added. “It must be clear what capacity is being lost, where, and with what consequences.” Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has cited personnel confidentiality in limiting details on the announced changes. Grain Growers of Canada emphasized that while personnel confidentiality must be respected, it does not,

New Leadership Team Named at OFVGA

Ontario’s fruit and vegetable association appoints a new chair and vice chair to lead advocacy, manage challenges, and support growers across the horticulture industry.

CRSB Launches Certified Beef Producer Incentive Program

CRSB launches a new incentive program offering 400 dollars to certified beef producers in 2026 to reward sustainable practices and strengthen Canada’s responsible beef supply chain.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service