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Your favourite locally brewed craft beer could be coming to farmers' market near you

Ability to purchase locally brewed craft beer 'just one more thing you can tick off in a box and grab at your farmer's market,' says vendor at Barrie's downtown market

Visitors to Barrie’s downtown Farmers' Market have been able shop for a variety of different items over the years, from fresh produce and meat products to handmade clothing items and even wine or spirits. 

Shoppers will soon want to bring an extra bag now that the Ontario government has made the decision to allow eligible local brewers to sell their craft beer at farmers’ markets across the province. This decision was announced in the 2021 Ontario budget, as a way to support brewers, winemakers and distillers to respond to the impacts of COVID-19. 

Licensed eligible brewers across the province can apply to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to occasionally extend their on-site stores to sell Ontario beer at farmers’ markets. Brewers whose full brewing process takes place in Ontario at their own brewery are permitted to sell their products at farmers markets. There are currently 180 farmers’ markets in Ontario. 

Doug Patterson is the market manager for Spy Distilleries based out of The Blue Mountains, which has been selling its gin and ciders at the Barrie market for about a year. He told BarrieToday he believes the decision to add craft brewers to the list will likely help drive a more diverse type of client to local farmers markets.

“The world of travel, cars, appliances is driven by choice and people like choices. In my humble opinion, I think it’s fabulous," he said. 

Eric Carter, who has been selling his family’s maple syrup at various farmers markets for years, says he’s not surprised by the decision.

“I have been expecting it for a while. We’ve been allowing wine, then cider and then distilleries, so beer was the last one to come on board. This is just a natural progression,” Carter said, adding he thinks it will be a positive thing for farmers' markets. “It’s just one more thing you can tick off in a box and grab at your farmers' market.”

“Our government is committed to supporting job growth in communities across Ontario by standing up for our vibrant hospitality, alcohol and agriculture sectors,” Attorney General Doug Downey, who is the MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte, said in a news release. “Providing local brewers with the opportunity to join wineries, cideries and distillers in selling their products at farmers’ markets is another breakthrough for the many jobs and families that are supported by Ontario’s diverse alcohol-manufacturing industry.”

Allowing the sale of craft beer at farmers’ markets has been a great next step in providing real choice for consumers, and more retail opportunities for locally-owned craft breweries at this critical time for our sector, noted Scott Simmons, president of Ontario Craft Brewers.

“It has truly been a win-win for craft beer lovers and locally owned craft breweries alike and we are raising a glass to this important change which has been good for local jobs, good for consumers, and good for our communities," he said. 

Ontario’s local brewers play a key role in Ontario’s agri-food sector, supporting jobs and contributing to local economies across the province, saud Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy. 

“With this expansion of the farmers’ market program, our government is continuing to support businesses as they respond to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while offering more choice and convenience for consumers," he said. 

The government also announced it will: 

  • permanently allow restaurants and bars to sell alcohol with food takeout and delivery orders, including mixed cocktails and growlers
  • reduce the minimum price of spirits consumed at licensed establishments to align with the reduced pricing introduced for takeout and delivery orders
  • allow the length of time for temporary patio extensions to be set out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
  • permit alcohol service on docked boats with a liquor sales licence
  • give licensed establishments and retailers more flexibility in using liquor delivery services.