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
Meena Hassanali, Rural and Agri-Business Specialist
1-877-464-9675 ext. 74430