(image removed)Oxford Fresh, a partnership between Tourism Oxford and the Oxford County Federation of Agriculture, is accepting applications for the Oxford Fresh Laneway Signage program. The program is for farmers who sell directly to customers at their farms. Whether it is local residents or tourists choosing to support local food producers, it all results in money being filtered back into the local economy. This is especially important during these challenging economic times due to COVID-19.

In 2020, more and more consumers turned to local businesses to purchase goods. Many of these consumers were discovering and visiting local farm businesses for the first time. The goal of the signage is to make shopping at farms easier. The laneway signs will help to advertise businesses, while also helping guide people, residents and tourists alike, to farm businesses.

Qualifying farm-gate operations can purchase an Oxford Fresh sign to mark laneway entrances. Applications are accepted year-round, with signs printed in April of each year. Interested farm-gate producers can visit www.oxfordfresh.ca to review the program, participation criteria and download the application form.

Comment

Dirk Boogerd, President, Oxford County Federation of Agriculture

'We are lucky to be surrounded by some of the finest farmland, agricultural businesses and producers in Oxford County. By supporting the Oxford Fresh Laneway Signage program, we make it easier for residents to access locally grown and produced food and goods. Especially during these unique times, the Oxford County Federation of Agriculture encourages everyone to make the trip to local farms, support our local economy and experience the benefits of eating local, fresh food.'

Meredith Maywood, Tourism Specialist, Oxford County

“The Oxford Fresh Laneway Signage program started as a pilot program in Zorra Township. It is now entering its fourth year and is helping more people bring local farm-fresh products to the dinner table. The program supports local farms and raises awareness about how easy it is to eat local in Oxford County.”

Background

Oxford Fresh is a partnership between two groups that love to promote local, Oxford County Federation of Agriculture and Tourism Oxford. Together, agriculture and tourism are putting Oxford County on the map.

In 2018, Oxford Fresh program partnered with Rural Oxford Economic Development, Zorra Township and Community Futures Oxford and the Future Oxford Legacy Fund to fund a pilot project that offered laneway signage for farm-gate producers. The purpose was to offer physical advertising opportunities to farm-gate producers while also helping customers navigate to business locations.

Social media and online content

Twitter: Oxford Fresh
Twitter: Tourism Oxford
Facebook: Oxford Fresh
Facebook: Tourism Oxford
Facebook: Oxford County Federation of Agriculture
www.oxfordfresh.ca
www.tourismoxford.ca
www.oxfordag.ca

Contact

Jenn Austin | Strategic Communication & Engagement
519.539.9800, ext. 3505 | jaustin@oxfordcounty.ca