Buying Local Gets Even Easier

Friday, 29 March 2019 07:15

The Oxford Fresh Laneway Signage program began as a pilot project in 2018, and it is now being offered throughout the entire County.

OXFORD COUNTY - Farmers in Oxford County will be able to have laneway signs in front of their property.

The announcement comes from Oxford Fresh, a partnership between Tourism Oxford and the Oxford County Federation of Agriculture, allowing local farmers to sell directly to customers.

Tourism Specialist for Oxford County, Meredith Maywood says the signs will be placed in front of the farmer's properties.

"They're bright, yellow signs with the Oxford Fresh logo on them and the farm's name. So they're very eye-catching and then they're consistent across the County, so when people see one sign and they go by another they realize that's a place where they could be buying some great, local goods."

The Oxford Fresh Laneway Signage program began as a pilot project in 2018, and it is now being offered throughout the entire County.

"Last year, Oxford Fresh worked with Rural Oxford Economic Development, Zorra Township, Community Futures Oxford through the Oxford Legacy Fund on trialing a signage program for farmers that are selling direct to consumers at their property. So basically we came up with signs that farmers could put at the beginning of their property to let people know to turn in and to purchase goods, they have the Oxford Fresh logo on them, the name of the farm and a few details about the farm."

Maywood says there are benefits to both sides.

"The benefit of having these is signs is that it's a consistent look. So if you see one sign for one farm and then you're driving along and you see another Oxford Fresh farm sign, you realize that's a place that you can go in and shop local. There's great benefits to both farmers and consumers with this program. Farmers are reaching new people to come out and shop local and people are able to get some of the freshest, most delicious produce, meats, cheeses in Oxford County."

Maywood says items such as fresh produce, cheese, pork and chicken are among the foods customers can buy from the farms.

It will cost $100.00 to purchase a sign, which will include a graphic design and there is an application process, along with participation criteria, that can be found online.