Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

CFFO Blog: Agriculture is Cornerstone of Growth within the Agri-food Sector

The CFFO is focused on how to generate additional jobs within the agriculture and agri-food sector. The Premier’s Challenge set ambitious goals for the sector which were renewed in the recent mandate letter to the Minister of Agriculture. The leadership within the industry needs to work together to generate new ideas to meet this challenge and help strengthen our great province.

The CFFO assessment is that there are limited opportunities at the primary production level to generate more jobs. Growth in the greenhouse sector and growth in local farmers markets represent relatively modest gains in jobs. The potential to open up more agriculture in Northern Ontario is an ambitious idea that may form the new heartland for cow-calf production in Ontario. Yet, even if these opportunities are fully realized, primary agriculture alone cannot reach the goals of 120,000 jobs and doubling the rate of growth in the industry by 2020.

While the primary sector of the industry may struggle in job creation, there is the potential to increase the rate of growth in the sector. At the primary level, trends towards more efficient technologies on a limited land base in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario means that few operators will continue to manage more and more of the land-base. This trend is an extremely long-term reality for agriculture as ever since the wheel was invented, farmers have been able to manage more resources. However, these efficiencies allow a very small number of people to feed millions in North America on a relatively small proportion of their incomes. CFFO believes that Ontario farmers will need to continue to adopt new technologies in order to remain competitive within the North American market. We also believe that improved stewardship will be required. Our focus on water policy is a cornerstone in sustainable growth and stable supply for agriculture in Ontario.

Primary agriculture has a strong role to play in strengthening the food processing sector in Ontario, and thus help create jobs. In order to grow the availability of local food there is the need for greater coordination between producers, processors and retailers to ensure that our supermarkets and restaurants have a consistent supply of high quality and tasty food on store shelves and restaurant menus that were grown in Ontario. Moreover, there is untapped potential within the various immigrant groups in the Greater Toronto Area to supply herbs and spices used in traditional meals drawn from their cultural backgrounds.

Primary agriculture has a strong role to play in meeting the goals of the Premier’s challenge to the sector. As the foundation of the sector it is essential that farmers continue to strive to improve in their use of technology and embrace better stewardship of their resources. Primary agriculture can be the cornerstone of a more prosperous and growing agri-food sector in Ontario.

Views: 49

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Sowing the Seeds of the Future -- A Fresh Look at Farm Succession in Canada

You’ve built a legacy through decades of farming—now it’s time to protect it. Learn how succession planning can secure your family’s future, preserve your values, and support the next generation

Documentary Sheds Light on Farmerettes who Helped Feed a Nation

Teenage Farmerettes stepped up during WWII, helping Ontario farms feed soldiers, civilians, and prisoners of war while creating lasting bonds and unforgettable memories.

Pollination and Tar Spot Issues Challenging 2025 Corn Yields

Pollination issues and crop diseases like tar spot threaten US and Canadian corn yields during the week of July 21 to 25, 2025, as discussed on the Ag Commodity Corner+ Podcast.

Cultivated Pork Fat Wins USDA Green Light, Marking a Milestone for Alternative Protein

In a historic first for the pork industry and the cultivated meat sector, San Francisco-based Mission Barns has received USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) approval for its cultivated pork fat product. This groundbreaking approval includes a USDA inspection grant for Mission Barns’ pilot facility in San Francisco and label approval for its signature ingredient, Mission Fat—a cultivated pork fat designed for food manufacturers seeking premium flavor and texture in alternative protein products. “This approval validates our core technology,” said Cecilia Chang, Chief Business Officer of Mission Barns. “We’re here to give food companies and manufacturers the missing ingredient that helps their products stand out: Mission Fat.” Mission Barns also received a “no questions” letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year, confirming the safety of its products. This dual approval from both agencies makes Mission Barns the first company in the world to g

Ceva Animal Health and WVA Celebrate Global Veterinary Excellence during the 2025 AMVA conference

Ceva Animal Health (Ceva), the fifth-largest animal health company globally, proudly continues its sponsorship of the 2025 World Veterinary Association (WVA) Awards. As a veterinarian-led company, Ceva prioritises supporting initiatives driven by outstanding veterinary professionals worldwide, honouring their achievements at the awards. The biggest honour of the night, Veterinarian of the Year, was awarded to Professor Susan W. Mbugua, who was also the winner of the Veterinary Education category. A retired Professor of Veterinary Surgery from the University of Nairobi, she revolutionised veterinary education through her expertise in complex surgical disciplines, while serving as Founding Chairperson of the Kenya Small and Companion Animal Veterinary Association and shaping professional standards across East Africa. Other winners throughout the night The prestigious awards recognised five outstanding veterinarians across different categories, each demonstrating excellence and celebrat

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service