The Regional Municipality Of York

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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 StrategyThe 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 Agricultural Advisory Liaison Group, a committee that provides advice to 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

York Region's agriculture and agri-food sector at a glance

This is an infographic showing the highlights of the agriculture and agri-food sector in York Region

 

Eat Local! From local farms to your table

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 700 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 700 farms and 270 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 agri-food@york.ca 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

Over the next year, Official Plan policies will be reviewed to ensure our agricultural and natural lands are protected for years to come. For more information on how we’re reviewing the Official Plan, read about our Municipal Comprehensive Review.


The Regional Municipality of York en-US

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.

The Regional Municipality of York en-US

Related Resources

Agriculture and agri-food data

Other resources

News

Get in touch with us

For more information about our agriculture and agri-food sector, please contact us at: agrifood@york.ca or 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74430
agriculture,agri-food,farming,strategy The Regional Municipality of York en-US Tractor harvesting a crop in a field. Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector The Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy provides direction for the long-term growth of the sector and guides policy development and initiatives.

Events Calendar

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