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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.
COVID-19: Resources for the Business Community
York Region remains committed to providing residents and businesses with trusted, dependable and timely updates about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To find the latest resources and supports available to the business community, visit yorklink.ca/covid19.
If you are a farm operator looking for information on COVID-19, read our COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for Farm Operators.
Our roadmap for success
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 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
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.
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.
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.
Related Resources
Agriculture and agri-food data
Other resources
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership Funding
- Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance
- Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
- York Small Business Enterprise Centre
- York Region Economic Development Action Plan
- York Link
- Agscape
News
- Looking back at 2019: Supporting York Region's Agriculture and Agri-Food sector
- Ontario announces support for agri-food businesses
- York Farm Fresh 2019 Guide Map now available
- York Region Celebrates Canadian Agriculture Day
- Fall is Harvest Time in York Region
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
