New and aspiring food producers invited to learn the ins and outs of getting their products to market at local training event

The City of Kingston, Frontenac County and the Township of South Frontenac are pleased to host a full-day food production training session, The A to Z of Getting Your Food Products to Market.

Anyone looking to get into the food production business or expand their existing food operation to sell locally to restaurants, smaller food stores or online is invited to this comprehensive training event at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour on Friday, April 25.

The session will feature presentations from key stakeholders including the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, the South East Health Unit (formerly KFL&A Public Health), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and local businesses eager to share their expertise.

“Our Food Production Training Days are held twice a year, with a spring start-up event and a fall scale-up event,” says Tracey Snow, Manager of Rural Economic and Community Development at the City of Kingston. “What a great way to learn about opportunities and the regulations of producing local food for our communities, in our communities. Meet like-minded individuals and make connections with the information you need to make it happen.”

The training day is open to everyone, whether you’re brand new to food production or an established farmer or business owner looking to take your venture to the next level. The event will take participants through all the steps of starting a food business such as renting and using a commercial kitchen, food safety requirements and getting products on the shelves.

Kingston has three commercial kitchens available for rent, with another one located in South Frontenac, as well as locations in Frontenac County. Anyone looking to produce and sell food products can access these state-of-the-art facilities.

Those interested in The A to Z of Getting Your Food Products to Market can register on the event page. The event will take place from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and tickets are $20 per person. Space is limited. Lunch will be provided and there is free parking on site.