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 more than 67,000 jobs and contributes $3.8 billion to the economy. York Region is committed to supporting and promoting this important sector.
Our roadmap for success
The 2024-2027 Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy is an action plan that was approved by York Regional Council in 2024.
As a crucial component of York Region’s economic vitality, the new strategy focuses on sustaining and supporting the entire local agri-food sector to enable the sector to thrive for years to come.
The 2024-2027 strategy is a road map guiding the development of program initiatives, aiming to:
- Strengthen business, entrepreneurship and innovation
- Bolster an already resilient and diverse value chain
- Continue to educate and raise the profile of local agriculture and the agri-food sector
View the 2024 - 2027 Agriculture and Agri-Food Strategy
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.
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, check out 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. 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
The planning policy landscape in Ontario has evolved since the development and delivery of the first Agriculture and Agri-Food sector Strategy in York Region. These changes include the removal of statutory powers under the Planning Act for York Region via the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022.
For York Region, these changes came into effect on July 1 ,2024. Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act (2024) states that, “once in effect, planning policy and approval responsibilities of the regional municipality will be removed and the lower-tier municipalities will assume primary responsibility for all planning in their geographies, except for matters requiring provincial approval”.6
In York Region, the majority of agricultural lands are located within the countryside area of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Greenbelt Plan.
Upcoming Events
York Region hosts and attends community events and workshops on various agriculture and agri-food initiatives. All events are posted on yorklink.ca/events.
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
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.
2025 Meeting Schedule
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 4 p.m to 6 p.m
Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 4 p.m to 6 p.m
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 4 p.m to 6 p.m
Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 4 p.m to 6 p.m
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 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
- Agriculture and agri-food data - 2021 Census of Agriculture
- York Region Economic Development Action Plan
