AGRICULTURE & AGRI-FOOD IN TORONTO AREA'S YORK REGION
Growing a Thriving 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 and supporting the Ontario food chain. With a $2.7 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 agriculture and agri-food sector supports over 46,000 jobs in York Region
- York Region is home to over 290 food and beverage manufacturers and processors
- 4,400+ value chain companies are part of the agriculture and agri-food sector
- More than 600 farm-based business call York Region home, spread over 130,000 acres
- Home to the York Region Food and Beverage Accelerator Program at York University’s YSpace
- Our soil is rich as York Region’s operating farm revenue ranks #1 per acre in the Greater Toronto Area, and #3 in the Greater Golden Horseshoe
- York Region is the fourth-largest food and beverage processing hub in Canada
Data sources: 2021 Census of Agriculture, Canadian Business Counts 2020
Want to learn more about our agriculture sector?
Check out our 2021 Census of Agriculture summary or Agriculture & Agri-Food Sector Highlights.
Agriculture & Agri-Food Sector Strategy
The Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy is an action plan that was endorsed by York Regional Council in 2017.
The strategy outlines the sector’s current strengths, opportunities and challenges to ensure that agriculture and agri-food remains a strong and viable sector in York Region. It was developed in collaboration with local municipalities and the York Region Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee, who provides advice to Council on the protection and promotion of agriculture and farming in York Region.
With five strategic goal areas accompanied by 45 recommended actions, the strategy is an ambitious framework designed to achieve results and demonstrates York Region’s commitment to the sector.
DOWNLOAD THE AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD STRATEGY DOCUMENTS:
Local Food in York Region
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.
York Farm Fresh has also released their new mobile app that will help you find local food on the go! This app features the farms and farmers’ markets listed in the York Farm Fresh Guide Map, translated from English into seven languages to help our diverse communities access fresh, local food: French, Chinese – Traditional, Chinese – Simplified, Russian, Urdu, Tamil and Farsi.
Taste a Local Meal
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. Hover over the plate and see what’s available across York Region farms.
Why eat local?
Supports 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 helps support the York Region economy, creating local jobs and supporting the community.
Is fresher and 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. We call that a win-win.
York Region Agri-Food Videos
Connect With Our Agri-Food Specialists
#LoveYRFood Social Media Feed
Visiting a local farmers’ market? Cooking up a meal at home? Share your love of all things York Region food with the hashtag #LoveYRFood, and your post may make its way onto our social media board!