AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD

STRATEGYUPDATE TO TOWN OF GEORGINA COUNCIL

Jonathan Wheatle, Manager, Strategic Economic Initiatives

Meena Hassanali, Rural and Agri-Business Specialist

April 17, 2019

AGENDA

Accomplishments and activities completed

York Region Agriculture and Agri-food

Strategy

Agriculture and agri-food in the Region and

Georgina1

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Collaboration and alignment with Georgina4

Looking ahead5

THE SECTOR AT A GLANCE

Source: 2016 Census of Agriculture

GEORGINA AT A GLANCE

• 103 farms

o Decrease of 32% from 2011

• 17,000+ acres of farmland

• Major crops:

o Hay (4,793 acres)

o Soybeans (4,410 acres)

o Corn (3,843 acres)

• Total gross farm receipts:

$20,709,539

o Increase of 23% from 2011

COMMITMENT TO AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD SECTOR

Council has long recognized the importance of agriculture

• Vibrant and sustainable agri-food sector

• Vision 2051

• Regional Official Plan

• 2015 to 2019 Strategic Plan

• Economic Development Action plan

• York Region Agricultural Advisory Liaison Group (YRAALG)

• In 2016 Council directed staff to develop a York Region

Agriculture and Agri-food Strategy

• Collaborative effort with the local municipalities

• Understand the economic impact of the agriculture and agri-food sector

• Identify gaps and key areas of focus

• Recommend actions for the Region, local municipalities and stakeholders to undertake

• Support and grow York Region’s agricultural and agri-food sector

PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY

Link to the Strategy - York.ca {Plans, Reports, Strategies}

FIVE STRATEGIC GOAL AREAS

Strengthen communication and collaboration with York Region, lower-tier municipalities and the agri-food sector

Support the agri-food sector through integrated land use planning and economic development

Support increased capacity for value added processing and support services

Leverage the Region’s location within the Greater Toronto Area through direct farm marketing to meet demand for local food production

Provide support for business retention and expansion of primary agricultural production within York Region

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5 STRATEGIC GOALS WITH 45 ACTION ITEMS

ALIGNMENT WITH GEORGINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

• Alignment with actions from Georgina’s Strategy

• Supported Clear Water Farm Initiatives including promotion of upcoming plans

• Georgina representation on York Region’s Agricultural Advisory Liaison Group

• Georgina support of York Farm Fresh projects

STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION IS ON TRACK

Short-term items completed

• Hired an Agriculture and Agri-Business Specialist (September 2018)

• Developed a strategic communications plan

• Participated in consultations on the Provincial Agricultural Systems review

• Collaborated with York Farm Fresh on the development of the annual York Farm Fresh Guide Map

Yorkfarmfresh.com

AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD INITIATIVES COMPLETED

Agri-Food Stakeholder Outreach

• Hosted or participated in over 25 workshops, events and meetings engaging 300 stakeholders

Organizations engaged include:

• York Federation of Agriculture

• York Region Food Network

• York Beef Producers

• York Farm Fresh Association

• Holland Marsh Growers Association

AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD INITIATIVES COMPLETED

Education and awareness events

• Four agri-food education and networking events

• Succession Planning Workshops

• Business Waste Reduction Forum

• Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance – Asset Mapping Workshop

2019:

• Hosted “Growing Your Farm Profits” in partnership with Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association and King Township

Growing Your Farm Profits in King

Provision Coalition Sustainability Conference

STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

LOOKING AHEAD

• Continued Education and outreach

activities

• Showcasing agricultural

innovators/champions

• Local food awareness education

campaign

• Holland Marsh Economic Impact

Study; Participate in Steering

Committee meetings

QUESTIONS/DISCUSSIONFor more information:

Planning and Economic Development

Jonathan Wheatle, Manager, Strategic Economic Initiatives

1-877-464-9675 ext. 71594

Jonathan.wheatle@york.ca

Meena Hassanali, Rural and Agri-Business Specialist

1-877-464-9675 ext. 74430

Meena.hassanali@york.ca