Province Introducing Legislation to Protect and Strengthen Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector
April 22, 2026
Government updating Grow Ontario Strategy and taking next steps to build a stronger, more competitive and more resilient agri-food sector
Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
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TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government introduced the Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026. The proposed changes, if passed, will deliver on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by strengthening domestic food production and further protecting farmers and the quality of Ontario’s food system. Alongside these changes, the province is also taking next steps to update its Grow Ontario Strategy to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant agri-food sector in the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty.
“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.”
The ministry is currently reviewing its Grow Ontario Strategy focused on strengthening resilience and encouraging a buy-local approach. The government is engaging with farmers, agri-food businesses and other industry partners to help position the sector for long-term self-reliance and prosperity, supported by today’s proposed legislative changes.
These updates will build on the success of the Grow Ontario Strategy launched in 2022, which has already helped achieve 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, reinforcing Ontario’s position as the largest food processor in Canada and a leading agri-food jurisdiction in North America.
If passed, the Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026 and related measures would enable the following:
Quick Facts
The agri-food sector employs one-in-nine Ontarians and generated $52 billion in GDP in 2024.
Ontario is the largest food processor in Canada and a top-four jurisdiction in North America.
The 10-year Grow Ontario Strategy was launched in 2022 to strengthen the agri-food sector, support long-term economic growth, and ensure an efficient, reliable and responsive food supply for Ontarians.
Quotes
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
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
Additional Resources