Agricultural land use planning

Agricultural land use planning guidance

• The agricultural system approach in Ontario

  Learn about the agricultural system approach, including designating and protecting prime agricultural areas and supporting and fostering the long-term prosperity of the agri-food network.

• Guidelines on permitted uses in prime agricultural areas

  Explore the economic opportunities available in Ontario’s prime agricultural areas and access guidelines to help implement provincial policies.

• Agricultural impact assessments (AIAs)

  Learn when you need an AIA and how to avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts from non-farm development on Ontario’s agricultural system.

• Minimum Distance Separation (MDS)

  Learn about the MDS formulae and guidelines and how to complete a setback calculation.

• Additional residential units (ARUs)

  Learn where ARUs are permitted in prime agricultural areas and the criteria that must be met under the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024.

• Implementation Procedures for the Agricultural System in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe

  Access additional information about implementing the agricultural system approach within the Greenbelt Plan area.

Provincial land use planning policies

Find more details on provincial land use planning policies that guide how land is used and managed to support agriculture.

• Provincial Planning Statement, 2024
• Greenbelt Plan, 2017
• Niagara Escarpment Plan, 2017
• Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, 2017

Learn how agricultural and natural heritage policies work together in Ontario’s provincial plans.

Protecting Ontario’s agricultural land base

Learn about Ontario’s agricultural land base, including prime agricultural areas and specialty crop areas, and how they are identified and protected.

Mapping, technical tools and methodologies

Find mapping, technical tools and methodologies that provide data and spatial resources to support agricultural land use planning and analysis.

• AgriSuite software
• Agricultural Information Atlas (AgMaps)
• Agricultural Systems Portal
• ConnectON
• Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) and Agricultural Land Evaluation System (ALES) methodologies

Soils information and data

Find information on soils mapping and data used to understand soil capability, composition and limitations for agricultural use and to support land use planning.

Agricultural land use planning staff

Get contact information for ministry staff who are available to discuss agricultural land use planning matters.