Expenditure Estimates for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (2023–24)
The 2023–2024 Expenditure Estimates set out details of the operating and capital spending requirements of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for the fiscal year commencing April 1, 2023.
Summary
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs serves the needs of Ontarians, Canadians, and the world by supporting and helping build an agri-food system and economy that is sustainable, resilient, trusted, innovative and balanced through a one-health approach. Ministry programs are focussed on food safety, plant and animal health, sector resiliency, environmental stewardship, research, agri-food sector labour support, sector and rural development and economic growth, diversity equity and inclusion, and support for the supply chain and domestic marketing. These activities and programs strengthen rural and urban communities, support and create good jobs, attract investment, keep food, plants, and animals safe, sustain natural assets and contribute to Ontario's overall well-being and economic growth.
Ministry Program Summary
| Vote | Program | Estimates | Estimates | Difference | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operating expense | |||||
| 101 | Ministry Administration Program | $22,462,900 | $22,461,500 | $1,400 | $20,178,605 |
| 107 | Better Public Health and Environment | $95,342,300 | $79,525,800 | $15,816,500 | $73,771,234 |
| 108 | Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities | $483,056,800 | $520,306,200 | ($37,249,400) | $449,300,708 |
| 109 | Policy Development | $16,247,300 | $16,246,700 | $600 | $13,690,219 |
| Total operating expense to be voted | $617,109,300 | $638,540,200 | ($21,430,900) | $556,940,766 | |
| Statutory appropriations | $1,097,187 | $1,097,187 | - | $362,300 | |
| Ministry total operating expense | $618,206,487 | $639,637,387 | ($21,430,900) | $557,303,066 | |
| Consolidation adjustment - Agricorp | $197,121,200 | $169,761,300 | $27,359,900 | $108,106,502 | |
| Consolidation adjustment - Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) | $5,470,000 | $5,421,000 | $49,000 | $5,768,149 | |
| Consolidation adjustment - Colleges | - | - | - | ($206,668) | |
| Consolidation adjustment - General Real Estate Portfolio | ($4,654,900) | ($3,759,200) | ($895,700) | ($2,915,065) | |
| Total including consolidation & other adjustments | $816,142,787 | $811,060,487 | $5,082,300 | $668,055,984 | |
Operating Assets | |||||
| 107 | Better Public Health and Environment | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | - | $1,149,700 |
| Total operating assets to be voted | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | - | $1,149,700 | |
| Ministry total operating assets | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | - | $1,149,700 | |
Capital expense | |||||
| 107 | Better Public Health and Environment | $1,000 | - | $1,000 | - |
| 108 | Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities | $5,000,000 | $7,500,000 | ($2,500,000) | $7,500,000 |
| Total capital expense to be voted | $5,001,000 | $7,500,000 | ($2,499,000) | $7,500,000 | |
| Statutory appropriations | $1,000 | - | $1,000 | - | |
| Ministry total capital expense | $5,002,000 | $7,500,000 | ($2,498,000) | $7,500,000 | |
| Consolidation adjustment - Agricorp | $2,082,200 | $2,543,800 | ($461,600) | $2,724,203 | |
| Consolidation adjustment - Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) | ($825,400) | ($3,525,900) | $2,700,500 | ($4,540,541) | |
| Total including consolidation & other adjustments | $6,258,800 | $6,517,900 | ($259,100) | $5,683,662 | |
Capital assets | |||||
| 107 | Better Public Health and Environment | $1,750,000 | - | $1,750,000 | - |
| Total capital assets to be voted | $1,750,000 | - | $1,750,000 | - | |
| Ministry total capital assets | $1,750,000 | - | $1,750,000 | - | |
| Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) | $822,401,587 | $817,578,387 | $4,823,200 | $673,739,646 | |
Reconciliation to previously published data
| Operating expense | Estimates | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Total operating expense previously published | $640,203,587 | $557,975,877 |
| Government reorganization | ||
Transfer of functions to other Ministries | ($566,200) | ($672,811) |
| Restated total operating expense | $639,637,387 | $557,303,066 |
Ministry Administration Program - vote 101
The Administration Program provides strategic management leadership and advice, legal counsel, communications, and administrative services in support of ministry and government priorities.
Vote summary
Standard account by item and sub-items
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount | Amount | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operating expense | |||||
| 101-1 | Ministry Administration | ||||
Salaries and wages | $13,149,100 | ||||
Employee benefits | $2,376,800 | ||||
Transportation and communication | $636,000 | ||||
Services | $5,548,500 | ||||
Supplies and equipment | $752,500 | ||||
| Total operating expense to be voted | $22,462,900 | ||||
| Sub-items: | |||||
| Main office | |||||
Salaries and wages | $2,876,900 | ||||
Employee benefits | $413,200 | ||||
Transportation and communication | $119,300 | ||||
Services | $199,100 | ||||
Supplies and equipment | $139,100 | $3,747,600 | |||
| Business Services | |||||
Salaries and wages | $1,946,800 | ||||
Employee benefits | $287,900 | ||||
Transportation and communication | $293,800 | ||||
Services | $1,341,900 | ||||
Supplies and equipment | $75,100 | $3,945,500 | |||
| Business Planning and Financial Services | |||||
Salaries and wages | $2,930,900 | ||||
Employee benefits | $434,000 | ||||
Transportation and communication | $35,700 | ||||
Services | $131,900 | ||||
Supplies and equipment | $22,300 | $3,554,800 | |||
| Human Resources | |||||
Salaries and wages | $1,908,200 | ||||
Employee benefits | $729,800 | ||||
Transportation and communication | $41,100 | ||||
Services | $102,100 | ||||
Supplies and equipment | $71,500 | $2,852,700 | |||
| Communications Services | |||||
Salaries and wages | $3,486,300 | ||||
Employee benefits | $511,900 | ||||
Transportation and communication | $126,100 | ||||
Services | $713,100 | ||||
Supplies and equipment | $434,500 | $5,271,900 | |||
| Legal Services | |||||
Transportation and communication | $20,000 | ||||
Services | $3,060,400 | ||||
Supplies and equipment | $10,000 | $3,090,400 | |||
| Total operating expense to be voted | $22,462,900 | ||||
| Statutory appropriations | |||||
| Statutory | Minister's Salary, the Executive Council Act | $47,841 | |||
| Statutory | Parliamentary Assistants' Salaries, the Executive Council Act | $32,346 | |||
| Total operating expense for Ministry Administration Program | $22,543,087 | ||||
Better Public Health and Environment - vote 107
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs uses a full suite of tools and a One Health approach to manage risks and encourage industry adoption of best practices including legislative and regulatory functions relating to food safety, animal health, nutrient management and drainage and non-regulatory programs in food safety, animal health and welfare, and the environment.
Vote summary
Standard account by item and sub-items
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount | Amount | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operating expense | |||||
| 107-1 | Better Public Health and Environment | ||||
Salaries and wages | $34,675,000 | ||||
Employee benefits | $4,802,000 | ||||
Transportation and communication | $1,772,300 | ||||
Services | $17,544,800 | ||||
Supplies and equipment | $851,200 | ||||
Transfer payments | |||||
Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Program | $9,667,000 | ||||
Animal Health Compensation Program | $1,000 | ||||
Canadian Ag Partnership-Federal-Public Health and Env | $20,171,500 | ||||
Canadian Ag Partnership-Provincial-Public Health and Env | $4,778,500 | ||||
Grassroots Growth Program | $1,099,000 | ||||
Lake Simcoe Agri-Environmental Partnerships | $920,000 | $36,637,000 | |||
| Subtotal | $96,282,300 | ||||
| Less: Recoveries | $940,000 | ||||
| Total operating expense to be voted | $95,342,300 | ||||
| Statutory appropriations | |||||
Other transactions | |||||
| Statutory | Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act | $10,000 | |||
| Total operating expense for Better Public Health and Environment | $95,352,300 | ||||
Operating assets | |||||
| 107-2 | Better Public Health and Environment | ||||
Loans and Investments | |||||
Tile Drainage Debentures, the Tile Drainage Act | $4,800,000 | ||||
Tile Drainage Loans in Unorganized Territories | $200,000 | $5,000,000 | |||
| Total operating assets to be voted | $5,000,000 | ||||
| Total operating assets for Better Public Health and Environment | $5,000,000 | ||||
Capital expense | |||||
| 107-4 | Better Public Health and Environment | ||||
Other transactions | $1,000 | ||||
| Total capital expense to be voted | $1,000 | ||||
| Statutory appropriations | |||||
Other transactions | |||||
| Statutory | Amortization, the Financial Administration Act | $1,000 | |||
| Total capital expense for Better Public Health and Environment | $2,000 | ||||
Capital assets | |||||
| 107-3 | Better Public Health and Environment | ||||
Business application software - asset costs | $1,750,000 | ||||
| Total capital assets to be voted | $1,750,000 | ||||
| Total capital assets for Better Public Health and Environment | $1,750,000 | ||||
Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities - vote 108
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs supports the province's rural communities and agriculture, food and bio-product sectors by: investing in agri-food and bio-product research; confirming research priorities; developing and promoting the adoption of sustainable best management practices and new technologies and innovations; monitoring animal and plant health, including pest and disease mitigation; delivering assistance programs including farm income stabilization; monitoring supply chains; supporting investment in the food sector; and promoting Ontario agri-food and agri-product sales in domestic and export markets. The ministry is committed to building strong and vibrant rural communities and regions with diversified economies.
Vote summary
Standard account by item and sub-items
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
Operating expense | |||
| 108-1 | Economic Development | ||
Salaries and wages | $23,193,800 | ||
Employee benefits | $3,256,300 | ||
Transportation and communication | $1,035,200 | ||
Services | $5,256,000 | ||
Supplies and equipment | $485,100 | ||
Transfer payments | |||
Agri-Food Processing Fund | $11,600,000 | ||
Canadian Ag Partnership-Federal-Economic Development | $18,242,800 | ||
COVID 19 Programming | $9,800,000 | ||
Food Industry | $17,130,000 | ||
Grassroots Growth Program | $4,749,400 | ||
Ontario Wine Fund | $15,500,000 | ||
Rural Economic Development Program | $5,000,000 | ||
Small Cidery and Small Distillery Support Program | $5,396,000 | ||
Veterinary Incentive Program | $1,000 | $87,419,200 | |
| Total operating expense to be voted | $120,645,600 | ||
| Statutory appropriations | |||
Other transactions | |||
| Statutory | Payments: re: Guaranteed Bank Loans, the Financial Administration Act | $1,000 | |
| Statutory appropriations | |||
Other transactions | |||
| Statutory | Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act | $5,000 | |
| 108-3 | Research | ||
Salaries and wages | $2,327,600 | ||
Employee benefits | $311,500 | ||
Transportation and communication | $176,700 | ||
Services | $332,500 | ||
Supplies and equipment | $90,000 | ||
Transfer payments | |||
Canadian Ag Partnership-Federal-Research | $12,903,400 | ||
Food Safety Research | $680,000 | ||
Grants in Lieu of Taxes | $1,000,000 | ||
University of Guelph | $71,646,000 | $86,229,400 | |
| Total operating expense to be voted | $89,467,700 | ||
| 108-4 | Business Risk Management Transfers | ||
Transfer payments | |||
Agricorp | $12,758,000 | ||
AgriInsurance | $41,500,000 | ||
AgriInvest | $21,100,000 | ||
AgriRecovery | $1,000 | ||
AgriRisk Federal | $1,000 | ||
AgriRisk Provincial | $1,000 | ||
AgriStability | $45,469,500 | ||
Financial Protection Programs and Loan Guarantees | $55,000 | ||
Ontario Risk Management Program | $150,000,000 | ||
Wildlife Damage Compensation - Federal | $1,058,000 | ||
Wildlife Damage Compensation - Provincial | $1,000,000 | $272,943,500 | |
| Total operating expense to be voted | $272,943,500 | ||
| Statutory appropriations | |||
Other transactions | |||
| Statutory | Payments: re: Guaranteed Bank Loans, the Financial Administration Act | $1,000 | |
| Statutory appropriations | |||
Other transactions | |||
| Statutory | Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act | $1,000,000 | |
| Total operating expense for Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities | $484,063,800 | ||
Capital expense | |||
| 108-7 | Agriculture and Rural Affairs Capital | ||
Transfer payments | |||
Agri-Food and Animal Health Laboratory Infrastructure | $500,000 | ||
Research Infrastructure Maintenance and Repairs | $4,500,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| Total capital expense to be voted | $5,000,000 | ||
| Total capital expense for Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities | $5,000,000 | ||
Policy Development - vote 109
The Policy Division is responsible for leading and coordinating the development of innovative, evidence-based policy analysis and advice in support of ministry and government priorities. The division does this in support of the overall ministry objective to foster economic growth in Ontario's agri-food sectors and rural communities, while providing assurance and oversight of the agri-food system as well as protecting the productive capacity of our natural resources. The division also oversees administration and delivery of farm business risk management programs and the management of the ministry’s strategic partnership with Agricorp.
Vote summary
Standard account by item and sub-items
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Operating expense | ||
| 109-1 | Policy Development | |
Salaries and wages | $12,167,600 | |
Employee benefits | $1,586,500 | |
Transportation and communication | $554,400 | |
Services | $1,788,500 | |
Supplies and equipment | $150,300 | |
| Total operating expense to be voted | $16,247,300 | |
| Total operating expense for Policy Development | $16,247,300 | |
Footnotes
- footnote[1] Back to paragraph Total operating expense includes statutory appropriations, special warrants and total operating expense to be voted.