Ontario Introduces Food Independence Act to Strengthen Agri-Food Sector
Ontario Food Independence Act 2026 targets domestic production, farmland ownership and sector resilience
TORONTO — The Ontario government has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening the province’s agri-food sector and boosting domestic food production amid global economic uncertainty.
The proposed Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026 is part of a broader strategy to build a more resilient and self-reliant food system, while supporting farmers and agri-food businesses across the province.
“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 Agriculture Minister Trevor Jones. “With these changes, we are continuing to build a more productive and self-reliant agriculture and food sector.”
Focus on domestic ownership and food security
A central component of the proposed legislation is the introduction of restrictions on foreign ownership of Ontario farmland. The government says this measure is designed to protect local farmers’ access to land and strengthen Ontario’s domestic food supply chain.
If passed, the policy would align Ontario with several other provinces, including Alberta and Quebec, that have already implemented limits on foreign farmland ownership.
The province will also consult with stakeholders on how exemptions to these restrictions may be applied.
Today, I had the honour of introducing the Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, our government’s most comprehensive agriculture bill. This bill, informed by our farmers and food producers, spans across the sector, from protecting farmland, modernizing veterinary services,… pic.twitter.com/GH5Y23kkLr
— Trevor Jones (@TrevorJonesCKL) April 22, 2026
Expanding agriculture in northern Ontario
The legislation also includes plans to expand agricultural production in northern Ontario by improving access to Crown land in the Clay Belt region.
Officials say the initiative will make it easier for farmers to lease or develop farmland in the region, unlocking new opportunities for crop and livestock production while supporting economic growth and job creation.
Updating the Grow Ontario Strategy
Alongside the legislation, the government is reviewing and updating its Grow Ontario Strategy, first introduced in 2022, to further strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
The strategy has already contributed to measurable growth, including:
- A 13 per cent average annual increase in exports
- A 15 per cent rise in employment
- A 20 per cent increase in farm sales
Ontario remains the largest food processor in Canada and a leading agri-food jurisdiction in North America.
Reducing regulatory burden and modernizing the sector
Additional measures included in the proposed legislation aim to modernize regulations and reduce administrative barriers for farmers and agri-food businesses.
These include:
- Streamlining regulatory processes across the sector
- Continuing modernization of veterinary medicine practices
- Updating sector-specific legislation to improve efficiency and competitiveness
Industry stakeholders have welcomed aspects of the proposed changes, particularly those aimed at improving fairness and stability within agricultural markets.
Supporting long-term growth
The agri-food sector is a major economic driver in Ontario, employing one in nine workers and contributing $52 billion to the province’s GDP in 2024.
The government says the proposed legislation, combined with updates to the Grow Ontario Strategy, is intended to position the sector for long-term growth, increased self-reliance and improved food security.
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