Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector

York Region is home to a vibrant and thriving agriculture and agri-food sector.

From the rich soils of the Holland Marsh to a diverse mix of food and beverage businesses, this sector plays an important role in York Region’s economy. The entire agri-food sector in York Region – everything from farms to food processors, grocery stores and restaurants – provides approximately 57,000 jobs and contributes $2.7 billion dollars to the economy. York Region is committed to supporting and promoting this important sector.

Our roadmap for success

Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy Cover

The Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy is an action plan that was endorsed by York Regional Council in 2017.

The strategy outlines the sector’s current strengths, opportunities and challenges to ensure that agriculture and agri-food remains a strong and viable sector in York Region. It was developed in collaboration with local municipalities and the York Region Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee, a group that provides advice to staff and Council on the protection and promotion of agriculture and farming in York Region.

With five strategic goal areas accompanied by 45 recommended actions, the strategy is an ambitious framework designed to achieve results and demonstrates York Region’s commitment to the sector.

View the Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy — Executive Summary

View the Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector - Full Report

Want to learn more about York Region’s diverse agriculture and agri-food sector?

Visit YORKLINK.CA/AGRIFOOD – the official home of York Region Economic Development - for the latest business news, resources, and more!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

From the latest stories, programs, community initiatives and more, the Agriculture and Agri-Food Newsletter is your source for all things agriculture and agri-food in York Region.

Subscribe to the newsletter today, and check out our past editions.

York Farm Fresh Guide Map

Local Food

Eating locally grown and produced food is one of the best ways to support the agriculture and agri-food sector. Not only is local food fresher and better for the environment, but when you eat local, you support the more than 600 farms that call York Region home. For more information on local food, please visit our local food page, where you can also discover the York Farm Fresh Guide Map.

Spotlight on local businesses

With over 600 farms and more than 290 food and beverage businesses in York Region, there is no shortage of unique and interesting stories. Check out our spotlights below to learn about these innovative businesses from across York Region. Be sure to check back regularly as we continue to add more. Would you like to share your story and business with us? Please email us at @email and we’d be happy to get in touch!

Other agricultural information

Planning Policies - Natural Environment and Agriculture

York Region has some of the most productive agricultural lands in Canada, and we’re committed to protecting and preserving this valuable land.

Approximately 69 per cent of York Region land lies within the Greenbelt, of which a significant portion is protected for agricultural use. Along with provincial legislation, the Regional Official Plan sets agricultural and rural land-use policies within the Region

Upcoming Events

York Region hosts and attends community events and workshops on various agriculture and agri-food initiatives. All events are posted on the main events page.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee

The Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee supports York Regional Council and staff by providing advice on agriculture, agri-food, and rural matters in York Region.

The Advisory Committee members continue to provide input and support the implementation of actions from the York Region Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy. 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee Members

The committee is composed of eleven members from across the Region, including two Council representatives:

Regional Councillor Naomi Davison, Town of Georgina
Councillor Avia Eek on behalf of Mayor Steve Pellegrini, King Township

  • Janice Bartley
  • Kim Empringham
  • Antonio Gomes
  • Brandon Hebor
  • Laurie Jittoo
  • Scott Paisley
  • Melanie Pearson
  • Jenna Pegg
  • Jessica Tong
Committee Recruitment Update 

In December 2022, York Regional Council appointed members to the Agriculture and Agri-food Advisory Committee for the 2023-2026 term. Advisory Committee members provide a balanced representation across the agri-food value chain including producers, input suppliers, food processors, urban farmers, distributors, and food retailers.

You can view the Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee Terms of Reference for more details on the activities of the committee.

Recruitment is currently closed for this term.

2023 Meeting Schedule

Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 4 p.m to 6 p.m
Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 4 p.m to 6 p.m
Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 4 p.m to 6 p.m
Wednesday, Sept 20, 2023, 4 p.m to 6 p.m
Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 4 p.m to 6 p.m

Get in touch with us

For more information about our agriculture and agri-food sector, please contact us at: @email or 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74430

Related Resources

External Resources