The Ontario government has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening domestic food production while taking steps to update its long-term strategy for the agri-food sector.
On Wednesday, the province tabled the Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026, which it says is designed to bolster the province’s food system, support farmers and enhance the competitiveness of Ontario’s agri-food industry amid economic uncertainty and U.S. tariffs.
“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 proposed legislation includes measures to restrict foreign ownership of Ontario farmland, a move the government says is intended to prioritize access for local farmers while allowing for exceptions to be developed through consultations. Similar policies already exist in several other provinces.
The bill also proposes expanding agricultural production in northern Ontario by improving access to arable land in the Clay Belt, modernizing veterinary medicine practices and streamlining regulations across the agri-food sector.
At the same time, the province is reviewing its Grow Ontario Strategy, which was launched in 2022, with a focus on strengthening resilience and encouraging consumers to buy locally produced food. The government said it is consulting with farmers, agri-food businesses and industry partners as part of the update.
According to the province, 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 since its launch.
The agri-food sector employs roughly one in nine Ontarians and generated $52 billion in gross domestic product in 2024, while Ontario remains the largest food processor in Canada and one of the leading agri-food jurisdictions in North America.
The proposed legislation must pass in the legislature before any measures take effect.
