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2021 Census of Agriculture

York Region is home to a diverse agricultural sector. Learn more about the sector by viewing the latest 2021 Census of Agriculture data.

Agriculture in York Region

York Region is home to a diverse agriculture and agri-food sector. From the rich soils of the Holland Marsh to a mix of food and beverage businesses, this sector plays an important role in York Region’s economy and supporting Ontario’s food chain.

We support the sector in a number of ways, including economic development, education and outreach, engagement and through the Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy – our roadmap to making sure agriculture remains a strong and viable sector in York Region.

The  2021 Census of Agriculture data is now available. Below is a snapshot of the data analyzed with a link to the infographic summary, in addition to information derived from Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs County Data.

Did you know?
11% of farms in York Region reported using solar, bioenergy/biomass combustion, or geothermal technology to generate renewable energy in 2021, up from 7% in 2016.

An onion crop, shown from an aerial view, in the Holland Marsh

$390M+

York Region farms generate over $390 million in operating revenues

130,000+

There are more than 130,000 acres of farmland in York Region

31%

In 2021, farmland accounted for 31% of York Region’s total land area.

60

The average age of a York Region farmer is 60, with 70% over the age of 55

Farms in York Region

There are 604 farms spread across York Region.

  • Aurora, Richmond Hill and Newmarket: 35*
  • East Gwillimbury: 106
  • Georgina: 102
  • King: 182
  • Markham: 44
  • Vaughan: 52
  • Whitchurch-Stouffville: 83

Farm Definition Change
Prior to 2021 a census farm was defined as producing at least one agricultural product intended for sale. The definition has changed to require the farm to report revenue and expenses to the Canada Revenue Agency.

* For the 2021 Census of Agriculture, the Towns of Aurora, Newmarket and Richmond Hill are reported as one consolidated Census Subdivision.

A map of York Region with text overlaid on each municipality showing the number of farms in that area

Farmland in York Region

There are 134,414 acres of farmland spread throughout York Region, accounting for approximately 31% of the total land area.

  • 13% of York Region farms are less than 10 Acres
  • 56% of York Region farms are between 10 to 129 Acres
  • 26% of York Region farms are between 130 to 1,129 Acres
  • 4% of York Region farms are more than 1,120 Acres

Farmland Tenure
More than 54% of land is either leased/rented or used a crop sharing agreement. The remaining 46% is owned.

A pie chart showing a breakdown of farm sizes in York Region.
A bar graph displaying the number of livestock inventory in York Region.

Total Livestock Inventory

A bar graph showing the number of farms in York Region broken down by industry.

Farms by Industry Group

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Major Vegetable Crops

2,623

acres of carrot crops

1,931

acres of cabbage crops

1,813

acres of onion crops

Major Field Crops

32,741

acres of soybean crops

24,889

acres of corn crops

11,618

acres of alfalfa crops

Get the Infographic Summary

You can view our summary of the 2021 Census of Agriculture for York Region by clicking the button below. You can also view a map package of agricultural lands in York Region through our Open Data portal.

View Summary