Agri-food network and supply chain as part of the agricultural system

Agri-Food Network

• The agri-food network includes the infrastructure, services and other agri-food assets needed to sustain and enhance the prosperity of the agri-food sector. For example, this includes transportation systems, agricultural services, farm markets, distributors and primary food processors.
• The functional agri-food network often extends into adjoining municipalities.
• Provincial plans for the Greater Golden Horseshoe encourage municipalities to plan for the success of the agri-food sector.
• Information on the agri-food network can inform economic development strategies, investment decisions, local food initiatives and Agricultural Impact Assessments.
• When Agricultural Impact Assessments are undertaken for settlement area boundary expansions, infrastructure, mineral aggregate applications and other non-agricultural uses, it is important to consider the impacts to the agri-food network.
• The Implementation Procedures for the Agricultural System in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe discusses the agri-food network in detail.
• Data sources on the agri-food network:
  • Agricultural System Portal
  • ConnectON (for partners with data sharing agreements)
  • Business directories
  • Agricultural advisory committees
  • Local agricultural organizations (e.g., chapters of Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, National Farmers Union)
  • Local food initiatives
  • Business Retention and Expansion projects