Ontario is working to increase access to local food, create jobs and boost economic growth in the North by establishing a livestock farming pilot project.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal met with Indigenous partners, local municipalities, livestock organizations and industry today in Timmins to discuss the Northern Livestock Pilot project and kick off consultations with stakeholders and communities on supporting viable agriculture in the North.

The Northern Livestock Pilot project will:

  • Invest in new research to understand the social, environmental and economic aspects of Northern livestock expansion
  • Work to provide a parcel of Crown land to help kick start livestock farming in the region
  • Develop educational and other resources to help those starting a farm in the North.

Supporting growth and competitiveness in Ontario’s agri-food industry is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

“This pilot reaffirms our government’s commitment to Northern Ontario,” says Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal, “We understand that job creation, economic diversification and access to local food are important to Northern Ontario residents. I look forward to working with our partners and Indigenous communities to develop meaningful and tangible solutions that will improve economic outcomes and expand food choices for Ontario’s Northern residents.”

As of the 2011 census, there were approximately 1 million acres of farmland in Northern Ontario, with about 703,000 acres in production. This was made up of about 2,600 farms, which generated close to $192 million in revenue.

Beef Farmers of Ontario President Matt Bowman calls this announcement “encouraging.”

“Expanding beef production in Northern Ontario, which has many environmental, economic and social benefits for Northern communities, has been a priority of the Beef Farmers of Ontario for several years,” he says, “We remain dedicated to creating an affordable pathway for beginning and existing farmers who are looking to establish environmentally sustainable and economically viable farm businesses in the North and across the province. We look forward to continued collaboration with government and other partners to achieve this goal.”

The Minister for Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry adds the expansion of agriculture in the North is “a great example of how our government is committed to growing economic opportunities across Ontario.”

“I’m looking forward to moving ahead in this process and to working together with our industry, municipal and Indigenous partners to create a pilot which will bring positive change to Northern Ontario,” she said.

Ontario is in the process of releasing updated soil mapping in the Cochrane District to help inform farmers’ business and production decisions.

The province has invested $12.7 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation since 2013 to improve 25,500 acres of Northern Ontario agricultural land to strengthen and grow agricultural production.

Ontario also supports applied research, information resources, and training programs by the Beef Farmers of Ontario through Growing Forward 2, a five-year commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments to support Canada’s agri-food and agri-based products sector.

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