Market Talks
2025-06-21
Market Talks at the St. Lawrence Market North
Open to the public during Saturday Farmers’ Market hours, the St. Lawrence Market is inviting leaders from the food, farming, and public market sectors to participate in two engaging and two important talks to wrap up Public Market Week.
When: Saturday June 21st
Location: North Market 2nd mezzanine
Talk 1: Love Local Markets – 100% Canadian & free from Tariffs
Time: 10am to 11am
Toronto is home to 160 public markets, primarily managed by community members dedicated to improving their neighborhoods. These markets enhance local well-being, provide access to fresh food, create economic opportunities, and promote climate action at little to no cost to the city. With the current U.S. tariffs impacting local entrepreneurs and climate change making food production more challenging in our region, what is the role public markets can play as part of the solution? Let’s hear from community experts about their efforts, the value of public markets, and why both residents and entrepreneurs love their local markets.
Host: Marina Queirolo, City of Toronto Economic & Culture Division, Main Streets Unit, Public Markets
Panelists:
- Nicole Jacobs, Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market
- Kendall Pereira, The Toronto Flea
- Bibiana Virgüez, Community Market Support - FoodShare Toronto
- Sabina Ali, Thorncliffe Bazaar, Thorncliffe Park Women's Committee
- Camille Mayers, Deeply Rooted Farmers' Market, Deeply Rooted Farmers' Market
- Lesley Stoyan and Chris Trussell, Apple Tree Markets
- Claire Perttula, Malvern Urban Farm & Farmers' Market
Talk 2: Strengthening the Local Regional Food System, now more than ever!
Time: 1pm to 2:30pm
Strengthening the local regional food system has always been essential. However, with the current U.S. tariffs impacting our economy and climate change making food production more challenging in our region, it is now more important than ever to develop programs, policies, and resources that support Ontario’s farmers, manufacturers, distributors, and mid-sized retailers who provide local food to our city. Let’s hear from thought leaders and community experts sharing their knowledge and experiences on this issue, bringing new ideas to the table.
Host: Lauren Baker, Global Alliance for the Future of Food
Panelists:
- Jessey Njau, Zawadi Farm
- Paul Moyer, Moyer Apple Products
- Aric Aguonie, Earth Haven Farm
- Sarah Elton, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
- Zakiya tafari, Afri-Can FoodBasket
- Jayeeta Sharma (Jo), University of Toronto Scarborough, Feeding City Lab
