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.

Click Here to Download the Card

Yukon Grown BINGO

Show off your local food creations & win a ticket to the 2026 Agricultural Banquet!

How to Play:

1. Get your Bingo Card

Each space on your card features something delicious you can make using locally sourced Yukon products.

2. Make a Dish

Cook or create something that matches a square using Yukon-grown ingredients.

3. Share It!

Post a photo of your dish on social media and be sure to:

4. Mark Your Card

Cross off the square once you’ve completed it and posted the photo.

     

    Winning & Prizes

    1. Get a Bingo! (Straight Line or Diagonal)

    • Email your completed line and links/screenshots of your posts to the YAA Office.
    • You’ll be entered to win 1 free ticket to the 2026 Agricultural Banquet!

    2. Get a Blackout! (All Squares Completed)

     You’ll be entered 3 times into the prize draw!
    (Now that’s dedication!)

    3. Winner Announced

    All entries will be entered into a random draw, and the winner will be announced in January 2026.  

    Quick Notes:

    • Yukon-grown means food items grown, raised, or produced within the Yukon.
    • All dishes must use at least one locally sourced ingredient per square.
    • You can only count each dish/photo for one square.
    • Bingo can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
    • Deadline to submit is December 1st, 2025

    Questions or ready to submit?

    Email: office@yukonag.ca

       

      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

      We held on the webinar on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. We plan to post this webinar here soon. 

      Check out the Yukon Farm Guide

      It is a tool to help you find Yukon farms, farm products, and agricultural services.

      Yukon Farm Guide

      Ag by the Numbers

      A snapshot of what Yukon producers are delivering every year and the growing potential of our local food system.

      Vegetables

      • 575,000 lbs of potatoes

      • 238,000 lbs of carrots

      • 36,000 lbs of beets

      • 8,500 lbs of parsnips

      • 48,000 lbs of cabbage

      Eggs & Dairy

      • 133,800 dozen eggs laid annually by Yukon hens

      • 10,000+ litres of fresh milk

      • 1,076 litres of heavy cream

      • 220 kg of Yukon-made butter

      Upcomming Events

      From Promise to Plate: A Yukon Agriculture Webinar – Free Registration

      September 17th, 11:00 am YT

      Yukon Agricultural Banquet

      October 11th, 5:30 – 10:00 pm

      Experience a 90% local menu.

      North of 60 Conference

      Hosted by the YAA

      November 8th, 2025

      Learn More Here.

      Get In Touch

      What does local food mean to you?

      Share your thoughts, stories, or ask questions we’re listening.