News/Events - May 2013

Yesterday’s provincial budget speech gives great hope for good things to come to Ontario’s agriculture and food processing sectors. Check out the except from the speech below for a glimpse of the details!

Ontario’s agriculture and food processing industry is a critical pillar of the province’s economy. The sector has proven resilient during tough economic times and continues to grow, driving jobs and economic growth in rural and urban communities.

That is why the government introduced a local food bill that, if passed, would celebrate and support the good things grown, harvested and made in Ontario. The legislation is one part of the broader Local Food Strategy to increase awareness of access to and demand for local food in Ontario. The broader strategy will support innovative local food projects with funding of $30 million over three years.

Today, agriculture and related industries contribute more than $34 billion to the Province’s GDP and employ over 710,000 people in communities across Ontario. The food processing sector is the province’s second-largest manufacturer, with the GTA being one of the top three food processing clusters in North America.