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 and supporting the Ontario food chain. With a $3.8 billion annual GDP, York Region is home to a vibrant and thriving agriculture and agri-food sector, and is the fourth-largest food and beverage processing hub in Canada.
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 this business community 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
Educate and Raise the Profile of the Agri-Food Sector
A wide variety of delicious, local food is grown right here in York Region. From local organic fruits and vegetables, to high-quality eggs, meat and cheese, look no further than your own backyard for the best quality ingredients.
The York Farm Fresh Guide Map is the best way to find a variety of delicious food in your own backyard. This map lists farms and farmers’ markets to help you uncover local farm fresh products within York Region.
You support the local economy.
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. Buying local also helps support the broader regional economy, creating more local jobs and supporting the community you live in.
Your food will be fresh and it’s better for the environment.
Imported fruits and vegetables can travel long distances to get to your plate. This transport has an environmental impact related to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. When you buy local you get fresh, delicious products with a reduced impact on the environment. That’s a win-win.
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.
The Agri-Food Startup Program
The Agri-Food Start-Up Program is led by York Region and supported by industry partners and is designed to support equity-deserving and Indigenous entrepreneurs in building and growing successful food-based businesses.
YSpace Food & Beverage Streams
York Region-based YSpace, is a university-backed incubator and accelerator that offers three programs geared towards food and beverage startups starting including the incubation program, food and beverage accelerator, and finally a food investment program.
Mars, Inc. announced the completion of a $180-million investment to accelerate manufacturing innovation and workplace modernization across its four Ontario facilities, with $40 million going directly to the Mars Snacking plant in Newmarket.
