W.E. Heart Local Passport Guides Locals To Farm Fresh
W.E. Heart Local Digital Passport Guides Locals To Farm Fresh In Windsor Essex
Digital Passport Relaunched as Part of Tourism Windsor Essex Staycation Expo
Windsor, ON – Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island launched the W.E. Heart Local Digital Passport, a program that provides locals and visitors alike the opportunity to learn more about the growing agri-tourism scene in the region, and support local while doing.
Now in it’s 8th year in operation, the free passport is available now at www.weheartlocal.ca and features 70+ farm stands, farmers markets, growers, producers, craft beverages and more all brimming with local produce options. You can use the passport as a way to create locally-sources meals by purchasing at each stop along the way.
“As the warmer weather arrives and plants begin to sprout, it’s important to celebrate the taste-of-place in Windsor Essex. With one of the longest growing seasons in Canada, and an abundance of greenhouse fresh produce all year long, we are blessed with a diverse offering of fruits, vegetables, honey, wine, beer and more” said Gordon Orr, CEO Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. “This digital pass offers users a unique journey through Windsor Essex through the adventure of taste, and incentivizes them to explore more while doing so.”
Operated in partnership with the Essex County Federation of Agriculture and Libro Credit Union, once users have registered they can take a self-guided tour across the region. For doing so they could receive free gifts including limited-edition apparel, free tasting passports on the Barrels Bottles & Brews trail, and the chance to win 1-of-2 $250 grand prizes.
In addition to the relaunch of the passport available no at www.weheartlocal.ca, users can get a taste of fresh all weekend long at the 2023 Tourism Windsor Essex Staycation Expo by visiting the W.E. Heart Local booth at Devonshire Mall today between 10am and 8pm and Saturday April 29th between 10am and 6pm.
Stop by the booth and register for your free pass and you’ll have the opportunity to sample some local produce from partners including: Color Pop Florals, The Fruit Wagon, Hawksview Honey, Ortaliza Farms, Ruscom North Shore Maple Farm.
In addition to the Digital Passport Tourism Windsor Essex is also excited to announce the return of two Open Farms Day, where guests can visit participating partners and experience on-the-farm fun. Mark your calendars for this year’s Open Farms dates which will occur on Saturday June 10th and Saturday September 23rd. More details can be found at www.weheartlocal.ca/openfarms.
QUOTES:
Leo Guilbeault, President Essex County Federation of Agriculture
“The Essex County Federation of Agriculture is excited to partner on the 8th edition of the W.E. Heart Local campaign. This partnership with Tourism Windsor Essex and sponsorship from Libro Credit Union continues to be the premiere resource for consumers to find farmers who grow locally and businesses who use these wonderful, fresh, and quality products” said. “Our vision to connect consumers and farmers has developed beyond a website and digital pass to include on farm events and experiences. This Program provides all the information needed to plan a visit to the county and enjoy our plentiful products grown and produced locally.”
Lori Atkinson, Regional Manager Libro Credit Union
“Libro Credit Union has been a longtime supporter of ECFA and the W.E. Heart Local map and it is wonderful to see how the program has evolved and grown over the years. Libro has a 75+ year history of supporting our local farmers and agricultural community” said. “We actively advocate for local food accessibility and the improvement of food systems to increase local food for all. We regularly support programs promoting local and sustainable agriculture, community gardens & farmers markets, local food sector initiatives, food processing and distribution projects throughout southwestern Ontario. Supporting the W.E. Heart Local initiative naturally aligns with our mission to promote local agriculture. Libro is truly Loyal2Local!”
