From Promise to Plate

A 5% Local Food Goal Starts Now.

Why 5% Local Food Purchase Goal Matters

Imagine walking into a grocery store in the Yukon and seeing food that was grown, raised, or made just a few kilometres from your home. Fresher food, fewer transport emissions, and stronger ties to the land and people that produce your meals. That’s the vision behind Yukon Agricultural Association’s 5% local food purchase goal and it’s more than just a number. It’s security for our farmers and a safeguard for Yukon’s food system.

Why 5%? It’s a Starting Point for a Resilient Food Future

While 5% may sound small, it’s a practical and powerful goal for Yukon’s growing agricultural sector. Reaching that target means more reliable markets for local farmers and a shift in how we value food. It also means more food grown right here in the territory an important step for a region where most of the food is currently shipped in from elsewhere.

How Purchasing Contracts Help Farmers Build the Future

Planning for the Next Season
Forward contracts provide clarity on what to grow, how much, and when it’s needed. Reducing guesswork and helping farmers plan efficiently.
Scaling Up Production
With guaranteed buyers, farmers can confidently expand operations, invest in infrastructure, staff, or new value-added products without the fear of unsold product.
Securing Financing and Loans
Contracts show lenders there’s a guaranteed income stream, improving access to credit.
Building Sustainable Futures
Long-term agreements encourage responsible growth, strengthen relationships between producers and buyers, and support long-term sustainability economically, environmentally and generationally.

How You Can Support Local Agriculture

Want to strengthen Yukon’s local food system?

Here’s how you can make a difference:

Ask for Local
Talk to your grocery store, caterer, or local institution and ask if they source from Yukon farms.
Support Forward Contracts
Encourage government institutions, and organizations to build long-term purchasing agreements with local farmers.
Advocate for Agricultural Policy
Support policies that invest, support and grow Yukon’s agricultural sector.
Write to local representatives Ask for stronger support for Yukon food security and infrastructure
Join Our Free Webinar – September 17
Learn how forward contracts and local procurement are transforming Yukon’s food future.
Attend the Yukon Agricultural Banquet – October 11
Experience a 90% locally sourced menu and meet the producers behind the food.

Local Food is Everyone’s Business

Reaching the 5% local food purchase goal isn’t just about numbers it’s about building a stronger, more resilient food system that works for everyone.

Whether you’re a home cook, business owner, procurement officer, or policymaker, your everyday choices have the power to move us closer to that goal.

From buying Yukon-grown vegetables to pushing for institutional contracts and better policies, every action helps grow Yukon’s food system sustainably, locally, and confidently.

Let’s reach 5% together one small, meaningful step at a time.

From Promise to Plate: A Yukon Agriculture Webinar

Learn more about how to support Yukon agriculture by registering for a free webinar hosted by the Yukon Agricultural Association (YAA) on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. YT / 2:00 p.m. ET.

Register Here.