Agriculture and Agri-Food
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 agri-food@york.ca and we’d be happy to get in touch!
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 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: agri-food@york.ca or 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74430
Related Resources
- Agriculture and agri-food data - 2021 Census of Agriculture
- York Region Economic Development Action Plan
External Resources
- Accessibility
- Bylaws
- Careers
- Community Outreach
- Contact Us
- Council and Committee
- Emergencies
- Fees for Service
- Finances
- Local Municipalities
- Municipal Election
- Permits
-
Plans, Reports and Strategies
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Archaeological Management Plan
- Child Care and Early Years Service System Plan
- Climate Change Action Plan
- Community and Annual Reports
- Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
- Corporate Asset Management
- Strategic Plan
- Economic Development Action Plan
- Employment and Industry Report
- Energy Reporting
- Greening Strategy
- Growth and Development Review
- Healthy Built Environment
- Housing Solutions: A place for everyone
- Integrated Waste Management Master Plan
- Long Term Water Conservation Strategy
- Plan to Support Seniors
- Transportation Master Plan
- Water and Wastewater Master Plan
- York Region Paramedic Services Master Plan
- Sustainable Mobility Plan
- Privacy and Disclaimer
- Provincial Offences Tickets
- Regional Property Taxes
- Regional Services
- Report a Problem
- Resources
- Senior Management
- Statistics and Data
- Traffic Camera Enforcement
- Vision