Input Sought on Northern Agriculture, Aquaculture, Food Processing Plan

Beef Cattle on Pasture

Eyes are looking to Northern Ontario for economic potential in response to Premier Kathleen Wynne’s challenge to the agri-food sector to double its growth rate and to create 120,000 new jobs by 2020.¹    According to the Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing Sector Strategy Discussion Paper released in May by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Northern Ontario already provides over 4,000 jobs in the region, generates over $200 million in revenue and holds enormous promise for innovation and growth.

OMAFRA is seeking broad input in order to build a coordinated strategy for the agriculture, aquaculture, and food processing sector in Northern Ontario.  Consultations are engaging agriculture and aquaculture producers, food and beverage processors, the agricultural bio-product industry as well as environmental and conservation groups, First Nations and Métis communities, and key agriculture organizations such as Sustain Member, Rural Agri-Innovation Network, and the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance.  According to OMAFRA, 18 Northern consultations were held in May including 6 in-person meetings and 14 virtual meetings, 8 in English and 6 in French.  Other consultations were hosted elsewhere in the province, and written submissions are being accepted until July 2.

The Sector Strategy builds on the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, a strategic framework guiding decision-making and investment in Northern Ontario until 2036.   The agriculture, aquaculture, and food processing sector is among 11 economic priority sectors identified in the Growth Plan as sources of potential growth and diversification of Northern Ontario’s economy.  OMAFRA is leading the development of the Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing Sector Strategy working closely with partner ministries including Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM), Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs (MAA), Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC).   One primary focus for the strategy according to OMAFRA is the “triple bottom line” of environmental, social, economic sustainability for the sector.

Interested parties have until July 2 to submit individual written comments through one of the following means:

Ontario’s Environmental Registry – EBR Registry Number 012-7458.

By email to: northernagrifood@ontario.ca

By delivery to any OMAFRA office.

By mail/courier to:
1 Stone Road West
2nd Floor NE
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 4Y2

By Fax: (519) 826-4328