The Made in Simcoe County program highlights local products made right here at home. “We have our own milk, we have our own vegetables, and I go to the Farmers’ Market in Barrie and I go out to Heritage farm outside of Barrie and I shop local,” says Joanne Luttrell, a Barrie resident. To help grow local business and interest, Tourism Simcoe County is looking for all types of businesses to become Made in Simcoe County certified. “The Made in Simcoe County program really did stem from the Shop Local movement during COVID and it just allows us to highlight all these wonderful local producers,” says Brendan Matheson with County of Simcoe Tourism. The program recognizes locally owned and operated businesses. The goal is to help off-set the impacts of international trade barriers and ensure that tourism spending stays in the region. “Whether you are producing local honey or maple syrup right up to arts and craftsman as well and even local restaurants that source local ingredients,” says Matheson. The owners of Quayle’s Brewery in Oro-Medonte are taking part in the program and says supporting local isn’t just what they promote, it’s an integral part of their operations. “We’re coming together. We are banding together. As a business, we want to help that but reminding people how important it is to spend your dollars locally,” says Catherine Pearson with Quayle’s Brewery. “There is just so much uncertainty right now and work together to strengthen our community economically, but also band together as a group and Simcoe County is a great place to live and work.” Innisfil Creek Honey has been producing honey and bees to people for 15 years and is also taking part. “It helps you connect with other local vendors within the community as well as collaborate and figure put ways you can promote and support each other within a community,” says Kiara Fox with Innisfil Creek Honey. “I feel like if we all come together then you can bring in more people that are excited about products that are made right here.” So far, in the program’s first year, about 70 local businesses are on board with Made in Simcoe County. It’s all part of the county’s three-year agritourism plan.
