Province targets resilience, domestic ownership and reduced red tape amid global uncertainty
Proposed law and strategy updates aim to bolster long-term competitiveness
The Ontario government has introduced new legislation aimed at reinforcing domestic food production and protecting the province’s agri-food sector, a cornerstone of its economy, as global trade pressures and economic uncertainty persist.
The proposed Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026, tabled on April 22, is part of a broader effort to strengthen local supply chains, support farmers and ensure long-term resilience in the province’s food system. The legislation is being introduced alongside updates to Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy, which is currently under review.
“Our agriculture sector is a cornerstone of Ontario’s economy, employing more than 10 per cent of the province’s workforce and helping put food on tables at home and around the world,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “In a time of global uncertainty, it’s vital we give our farmers and businesses the tools they need to succeed. With these changes, we are continuing to build a more productive and self-reliant agriculture and food sector.”
Focus on domestic ownership and northern expansion
A key component of the proposed legislation is a plan to limit foreign ownership of Ontario farmland. The government says the move is designed to prioritize access for local farmers while restricting acquisitions by what it describes as “harmful foreign interests.” Details on exemptions and implementation are expected to follow consultations with industry stakeholders.
If passed, the policy would align Ontario with similar restrictions already in place in several other provinces, including Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec.
The legislation also proposes expanding agricultural production in northern Ontario by improving access to arable land in the Clay Belt region. Officials say this measure could unlock new opportunities for farmers and support regional economic development.
In addition, the government plans to continue modernizing veterinary medicine practices and streamline regulations across the agri-food sector. These steps are intended to reduce administrative burden and improve operational efficiency for producers and businesses.
Building on growth under existing strategy
The proposed changes build on the Grow Ontario Strategy, launched in 2022 as a 10-year plan to enhance the province’s agri-food sector. According to government data, the strategy has contributed to a 13 per cent average annual increase in exports, a 15 per cent rise in employment and a 20 per cent increase in farm sales.
Ontario’s agri-food sector remains a major economic driver, employing roughly one in nine residents and generating $52 billion in GDP in 2024. The province is also the largest food processor in Canada and ranks among the top agri-food jurisdictions in North America.
The ongoing review of the Grow Ontario Strategy is focused on strengthening resilience and promoting a buy-local approach. The government says it is consulting with farmers, processors and industry groups to shape the next phase of the plan.
Industry groups voice support for reforms
Industry stakeholders have largely welcomed the proposed measures, particularly those aimed at improving regulatory frameworks and ensuring fairness across the sector.
“Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) applauds the government on protecting Ontario’s food independence and our province’s crucial role in securing Canada’s agriculture and food sector. We welcome the Milk Act amendments that will align Ontario’s milk pricing policies with national standards, enabling a level playing field and continued stability in delivery of high-quality milk from Ontario farms for processing in Ontario. DFO shares the government’s commitment to ensuring a stronger, trusted domestic food system, with a regulatory framework that supports continuous improvement and compliance of world-class, high-quality food safety standards for cow’s milk in Ontario.”
- Mark Hamel
Chair, Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Beef producers also signaled support for proposed updates affecting their sector, particularly changes tied to fee structures and financial protections.
“We appreciate Minister Jones and the Government of Ontario for listening to our members and taking action to create a more equitable fee structure under the Beef Cattle Marketing Act. This change addresses a long-standing gap and ensures all producers contribute fairly to efforts that help strengthen the sustainability and collective success of Ontario’s beef sector. We are also pleased to see much of the sector’s feedback reflected in the recent updates to the Livestock Financial Protection Program, which are a positive step toward a more effective and responsive system.”
- Jason Leblond
President, Beef Farmers of Ontario
Legislative path ahead
The proposed legislation must pass through Ontario’s legislature before becoming law. If approved, it would mark a significant step in the province’s effort to reinforce its domestic food system and reduce reliance on external markets at a time of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Officials say further details on implementation, including consultation outcomes and regulatory changes, will be released in the coming months.