'Pair beer with farm fresh food': Province gives OK for craft brewers to sell in farm markets
For five years, craft brewers in Ontario have been asking for access to sell in the more than 180 local farmers markets.
They've finally have been granted their wish.
"You can now buy the perfect beer to pair with your farm fresh food you're picking up for dinner," Doug Downey, Ontario's attorney general said Friday from St. Jacob's Market in Woolwich, Ont.
"I urge everyone to seek out these amazing products and support local businesses. You can feel good knowing you're buying local directly from the brewers themselves."
At London, Ont.'s Forked River Brewing Co. (FRBC) Founder David Reed says the policy change will bring much more awareness.
"People need to know that there are local breweries in your backyard that are owned by your neighbours," says Reed. "Getting in front of people in a local farmers market and talking about beer is fantastic."
David Reed, founder of Forked River Brewing Co. in London, Ont. pours a beer at his brewery on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. (Brent Lale / CTV News)
It's also great news for businesses who have struggled during the pandemic.
"Through COVID It's been are we open? Are we closed? Are we indoors or outdoors?" says Reed.
"We've had the luxury that we can still distribute through the other channels like the LCBO and the grocery stores, but we do rely on our local communities to buy product from us."
The fight by craft brewers, which started in 2016, has now come to an end.
During the pandemic, the Ford government has also allowed bars and restaurants to sell alcohol with takeout orders and also allowed for the sale of beer and wine in supermarkets.
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson speaks at St. Jacob's Market in Woolwich, Ont. on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021.
"Before COVID-19 pandemic hit local breweries, cideries wineries and distillers were thriving," says MPP Lisa Thompson, Ontario's minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs.
"Now we will are looking at recovery and growing forward."
Eligible brewers can apply to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
The policy actually came into effect about six months ago, but had limited uptake.
However, one of those who took advantage of the early start was River Road Brewing and Hops from Bayfield, Ont.
River Road Brewing and Hops from Bayfield, Ont. has had a booth in Western Fair Market in London, Ont. since June 2021. (Brent Lale / CTV News)
They have had a booth in London's Western Fair District Market since June.
"It's been really good," says Kate Cleeg, who works for River Road. "We've had lots of people coming and giving the beer a try, and also being interested in popping out to the farm and checking out the live music over the summer."
The province feels this move will help will boost jobs in the industry and give small brewers valuable exposure to customers.
"We have heard from many brewers that having a stall at farmers markets, is like having another retail store on those days," says Scott Scott Simmons, president of Ontario Craft Brewers.
"Say cheers to local craft beers and local farmers markets."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.