More than 90 per cent of farmers and producers found new clients for their products at the Ottawa Culinary Tourism Initiative's inaugural Farmer-Chef Meet & Greet on Monday.

The networking event, organized to help farmers and chefs develop business contacts and contracts for the 2007 growing season, saw more than 50 growers and producers and 70 chefs in attendance.

"Chefs are hungry for local foods," said Moe Garahan, Just Food spokesperson and chairperson of the distribution working group which organized the event. "The first year of this initiative is meant to build relations – including trial runs of products – that will lead to solid contracts in the months and years to come. It is our hope that this initiative also sends the message to existing and potential farmers that there is money to be made – chefs and customers are demanding more local food options. The opportunities for business are increasing."

The meet-and-greet was part of Ottawa Tourism's plan to promote the city as a culinary tourism centre. Ontario Tourism designated Ottawa as one of five culinary tourism destinations in the province last year.