Wheat producers in Ontario see golden opportunities for wheat with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture’s announcement to extend the Foodland Ontario brand to include baked goods.
Ontario is the most diverse wheat growing region in North America with six different types of wheat grown for the full spectrum of wheat products on the market today from cookies and cakes to bagels and bread. Ontario bakeries and food processors interested in using the Foodland Ontario brand to promote their products will be happy to know Ontario wheat producers have a wheat for every need.
“The announcement today reinforces the Ontario government’s commitment to agriculture”, says Larry Shapton, General Manager of the Ontario Wheat Producers’ Marketing Board. “We are proud to be part of the government’s commitment to provide fresh, high-quality foods grown and produced in the province of Ontario.”
Ontario wheat producers have been diversifying the wheat offering in the province steadily over the last ten years to take advantage of the growing consumer demand for a wide variety of baked products. Hard wheat used in bread products has been growing in popularity with Ontario farmers. This trend in wheat production supports the increasing popularity of flat bread products like pita and naan and whole grain products from breads to crackers.
Producers in Ontario have long been production leaders for soft wheat varieties grown for cakes and cookies. The Foodland Ontario announcement means the traditional Ontario wheat products will have a new opportunity to let local shoppers know they are supporting Ontario producers. Ontario has a strong farming heritage and renowned reputation of safe, high quality food production. We are excited to highlight the best wheat products Ontario has to offer under a Foodland Ontario label that exemplifies the best qualities of fresh Ontario products.