Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
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Ted McMeekin |
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Overview
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is committed to supporting Ontario’s agri-food sector, enforcing and improving food safety, protecting our environment, and strengthening Ontario’s rural communities.
To accomplish this, the ministry seeks to:
- Ensure food produced in Ontario is safe,
- Contribute to a cleaner environment by supporting enhanced nutrient management practices and bio-fuels,
- Create a more competitive business climate for the agri-food industry,
- Support increased investment in jobs in rural communities, the food processing industry and in the bio-economy,
- Promote and market Ontario’s agri-food products,
- Provide leadership to innovation in research, and
- Transfer leading-edge technology to farmers.
Ministry Vision: A strong agri-food sector that is integral to Ontario's economy and contributes innovative solutions to protect the environment, to provide safe and nutritious food, to promote the bio-economy and to support the health and well-being of Ontarians.
Major Responsibilities
Public health and food safety:
- Provide food inspection and food safety programs that strengthen animal health and food safety management from farm to fork.
- Prevent, detect and respond to a wide range of animal health and food safety issues. The ministry’s Office of the Chief Veterinarian of Ontario takes the lead in the event of an animal health or related food safety emergency.
- Protect the environment by promoting the wise use of rural Ontario’s land and water resources, and supporting programs that encourage alternative energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Strong agriculture and food sectors:
- Deliver farm income stabilization programs, technology transfer and support research and marketing initiatives that encourage growth, sustainability and innovation in Ontario’s diverse agriculture and food industry.
- Support business investment and growth in Ontario’s domestic and export food industry.
- Partner with the University of Guelph to deliver research, laboratory services and education programs.
Strong rural communities:
- Deliver funding programs that invest in rural communities.
- Provide staff, programs and resource tools designed to strengthen the social and economic health of rural communities.
- Lead Ontario’s Rural Plan, which addresses the unique social, economic and infrastructure needs of rural communities.
Sites of Interest
Visit the ministry’s website or the following links for more details:
History of Government
