Summary
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' purpose is to foster the economic growth of rural Ontario and the agri-food sector, along with providing assurance and oversight of the agri-food system while promoting stewardship of Ontario’s productive capacity to produce food. In doing so the ministry supports economic growth in rural and urban communities that supports good jobs, attracts investment, and contributes to Ontario’s economic success.
Ministry Program Summary
Operating expense
| Vote | Program | Estimates 2016‑17 | Estimates 2015‑16 | Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 | Actual 2014‑15 |
|---|
| 101 | Ministry Administration Program | $22,902,300 | $22,902,300 | - | $24,961,446 |
|---|
| 107 | Better Public Health and Environment | $90,770,000 | $87,070,000 | $3,700,000 | $76,962,148 |
|---|
| 108 | Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities | $481,253,300 | $512,709,100 | ($31,455,800) | $435,569,903 |
|---|
| 109 | Policy Development | $15,944,200 | $15,944,200 | - | $15,522,464 |
|---|
| | Total operating expense to be voted | $610,869,800 | $638,625,600 | ($27,755,800) | $553,015,961 |
| | Statutory appropriations | $2,096,014 | $2,096,014 | - | $680,018 |
| | Ministry total operating expense | $612,965,814 | $640,721,614 | ($27,755,800) | $553,695,979 |
| | Consolidation adjustment - agricorp | $141,983,200 | $143,546,500 | ($1,563,300) | $92,369,567 |
| | Consolidation adjustment - Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) | $13,063,500 | $6,418,000 | $6,645,500 | $6,519,335 |
| | Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Racing Commission | - | $5,927,500 | ($5,927,500) | $5,275,000 |
| | Total including consolidation and other adjustments | $768,012,514 | $796,613,614 | ($28,601,100) | $657,859,881 |
Operating assets
| Vote | Program | Estimates 2016‑17 | Estimates 2015‑16 | Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 | Actual 2014‑15 |
|---|
| 101 | Ministry Administration Program | $300,000 | $300,000 | - | - |
|---|
| 107 | Better Public Health and Environment | $12,300,000 | $12,300,000 | - | $3,149,000 |
|---|
| 108 | Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities | $305,000 | $305,000 | - | - |
|---|
| | Total operating assets to be voted | $12,905,000 | $12,905,000 | - | $3,149,000 |
| | Ministry total operating assets | $12,905,000 | $12,905,000 | - | $3,149,000 |
Capital expense
| Vote | Program | Estimates 2016‑17 | Estimates 2015‑16 | Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 | Actual 2014‑15 |
|---|
| 108 | Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities | $158,782,600 | $158,799,600 | ($17,000) | $199,725,454 |
|---|
| | Total capital expense to be voted | $158,782,600 | $158,799,600 | ($17,000) | $199,725,454 |
| | Ministry total capital expense | $158,782,600 | $158,799,600 | ($17,000) | $199,725,454 |
| | Consolidation adjustment - agricorp | $888,500 | $753,800 | $134,700 | $1,528,000 |
| | Consolidation adjustment - Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) | ($11,765,300) | ($11,212,000) | ($553,300) | ($12,542,809) |
| | Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Racing Commission | - | $70,000 | ($70,000) | $75,000 |
| | Total including consolidation and other adjustments | $147,905,800 | $148,411,400 | ($505,600) | $188,785,645 |
| | Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) | $915,918,314 | $945,025,014 | ($29,106,700) | $846,645,526 |
Reconciliation to previously published data
| Operating expense | 2015‑16 Estimates | 2014‑15 Actual |
|---|
| Total operating expense previously published footnote 1[1] | $737,006,314 | $649,975,129 |
|---|
| Government reorganization | | |
|---|
| Transfer of functions to other ministries | ($96,284,700) | ($96,279,150) |
|---|
| Restated Total operating expense | $640,721,614 | $553,695,979 |
|---|
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
Operating expense
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2016‑17 | Estimates 2015‑16 | Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 | Actual 2014‑15 |
|---|
| 1 | Ministry administration | $22,902,300 | $22,902,300 | - | $24,961,446 |
| | Total operating expense to be voted | $22,902,300 | $22,902,300 | - | $24,961,446 |
| S | Minister’s salary, the Executive Council Act | $47,841 | $47,841 | - | $49,301 |
| S | Parliamentary Assistant’s salary, the Executive Council Act | $16,173 | $16,173 | - | $16,667 |
| | Total statutory appropriations | $64,014 | $64,014 | - | $65,968 |
| | Total operating expense | $22,966,314 | $22,966,314 | - | $25,027,414 |
Operating assets
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2016‑17 | Estimates 2015‑16 | Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 | Actual 2014‑15 |
|---|
| 2 | Ministry administration | $300,000 | $300,000 | - | - |
| | Total operating assets to be voted | $300,000 | $300,000 | - | - |
| | Total operating assets | $300,000 | $300,000 | - | - |
Standard account by item and sub-items
Operating expense
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount | Amount |
|---|
| 101-1 | Ministry administration | | |
|---|
| | Salaries and wages | | $12,665,300 |
| | Employee benefits | | $2,376,800 |
| | Transportation and communication | | $640,000 |
| | Services | | $6,467,700 |
| | Supplies and equipment | | $752,500 |
| | Total operating expense to be voted | | $22,902,300 |
| | Sub-items: | | |
| | Main office | | |
| | Salaries and wages | $1,654,700 | |
| | Employee benefits | $158,700 | |
| | Transportation and communication | $161,900 | |
| | Services | $201,600 | |
| | Supplies and equipment | $34,700 | $2,211,600 |
| | Business services | | |
| | Salaries and wages | $1,825,100 | |
| | Employee benefits | $207,700 | |
| | Transportation and communication | $268,500 | |
| | Services | $1,650,300 | |
| | Supplies and equipment | $535,100 | $4,486,700 |
| | Business planning and financial services | | |
| | Salaries and wages | $3,319,600 | |
| | Employee benefits | $606,000 | |
| | Transportation and communication | $49,800 | |
| | Services | $318,100 | |
| | Supplies and equipment | $28,000 | $4,321,500 |
| | Human resources | | |
| | Salaries and wages | $2,195,900 | |
| | Employee benefits | $790,800 | |
| | Transportation and communication | $27,500 | |
| | Services | $166,600 | |
| | Supplies and equipment | $29,800 | $3,210,600 |
| | Communications services | | |
| | Salaries and wages | $3,670,000 | |
| | Employee benefits | $613,600 | |
| | Transportation and communication | $105,500 | |
| | Services | $979,900 | |
| | Supplies and equipment | $79,400 | $5,448,400 |
| | Legal Services | | |
| | Transportation and communication | $22,500 | |
| | Services | $2,661,300 | |
| | Supplies and equipment | $45,000 | $2,728,800 |
| | Audit services | | |
| | Transportation and communication | $4,300 | |
| | Services | $489,900 | |
| | Supplies and equipment | $500 | $494,700 |
| | Total operating expense to be voted | | $22,902,300 |
| | Statutory appropriations | | |
| Statutory | Minister’s salary, the Executive Council Act | | $47,841 |
|---|
| Statutory | Parliamentary Assistant’s salary, the Executive Council Act | | $16,173 |
|---|
| | Total operating expense for Ministry Administration Program | | $22,966,314 |
Operating assets
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount |
|---|
| 101-2 | Ministry administration | |
|---|
| | Deposits and prepaid expenses | $300,000 |
| | Total operating assets to be voted | $300,000 |
| | Total operating assets for Ministry Administration Program | $300,000 |
Better Public Health and Environment - vote 107
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs uses a full suite of tools to manage risks and encourage industry adoption of best management practices including: legislative and regulatory functions relating to food safety, animal health, and nutrient management and climate change and the environment; and non-regulatory programs in food safety, traceability, animal health and welfare, nutrient management and environment.
Vote summary
Operating expense
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2016‑17 | Estimates 2015‑16 | Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 | Actual 2014‑15 |
|---|
| 1 | Better public health and environment | $90,770,000 | $87,070,000 | $3,700,000 | $76,962,148 |
| | Total operating expense to be voted | $90,770,000 | $87,070,000 | $3,700,000 | $76,962,148 |
| S | Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act | $10,000 | $10,000 | - | $75,532 |
| | Total statutory appropriations | $10,000 | $10,000 | - | $75,532 |
| | Total operating expense | $90,780,000 | $87,080,000 | $3,700,000 | $77,037,680 |
Operating assets
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2016‑17 | Estimates 2015‑16 | Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 | Actual 2014‑15 |
|---|
| 2 | Better public health and environment | $12,300,000 | $12,300,000 | - | $3,149,000 |
| | Total operating assets to be voted | $12,300,000 | $12,300,000 | - | $3,149,000 |
| | Total operating assets | $12,300,000 | $12,300,000 | - | $3,149,000 |
Standard account by item and sub-items
Operating expense
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount | Amount |
|---|
| 107-1 | Better public health and environment | | |
|---|
| | Salaries and wages | | $32,261,800 |
| | Employee benefits | | $4,626,900 |
| | Transportation and communication | | $2,522,300 |
| | Services | | $15,773,800 |
| | Supplies and equipment | | $851,200 |
| | Transfer payments | | |
| | Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Program | $6,667,000 | |
| | Agri-environmental standards research | $250,000 | |
| | Animal Health Compensation Program | $1,000 | |
| | Environment partnerships | $4,420,000 | |
| | Food safety and traceability partnerships | $1,000 | |
| | Growing forward - federal - better public health and environment | $22,200,000 | |
| | Lake simcoe agri-environmental partnerships | $569,400 | |
| | Other assistance for public health | $1,215,000 | $35,323,400 |
| | Subtotal | | $91,359,400 |
| | Less: recoveries | | $589,400 |
| | Total operating expense to be voted | | $90,770,000 |
| | Statutory appropriations | | |
| | Other transactions | | |
| Statutory | Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act | | $10,000 |
|---|
| | Total operating expense for better public health and environment | | $90,780,000 |
Operating assets
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount | Amount |
|---|
| 107-2 | Better public health and environment | | |
|---|
| | Deposits and prepaid expenses | | $300,000 |
| | Loans and investments | | |
| | Tile drainage debentures, the Tile Drainage Act | $11,800,000 | |
| | Tile drainage loans in unorganized territories | $200,000 | $12,000,000 |
| | Total operating assets to be voted | | $12,300,000 |
| | Total operating assets for better public health and environment | | $12,300,000 |
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, bio-product and horse racing sectors by: investing in agri-food and bio-product research; promoting the adoption of best management practices and new technologies; delivering assistance programs, including farm income stabilization; supporting investment attraction and retention for the food processing 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 with diversified economies.
Vote summary
Operating expense
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2016‑17 | Estimates 2015‑16 | Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 | Actual 2014‑15 |
|---|
| 1 | Economic development | $168,164,100 | $192,419,900 | ($24,255,800) | $140,560,341 |
| 3 | Research | $81,875,300 | $88,175,300 | ($6,300,000) | $78,027,399 |
| 4 | Business risk management transfers | $231,213,900 | $232,113,900 | ($900,000) | $216,982,163 |
| | Total operating expense to be voted | $481,253,300 | $512,709,100 | ($31,455,800) | $435,569,903 |
| S | Payments: re: guaranteed bank loans, the Financial Administration Act | $1,000 | $1,000 | - | - |
| S | Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act | $5,000 | $5,000 | - | $351,127 |
| S | Payments: re: guaranteed bank loans, the Financial Administration Act | $1,000 | $1,000 | - | - |
| S | Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act | $2,015,000 | $2,015,000 | - | $187,391 |
| | Total statutory appropriations | $2,022,000 | $2,022,000 | - | $538,518 |
| | Total operating expense | $483,275,300 | $514,731,100 | ($31,455,800) | $436,108,421 |
Operating assets
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2016‑17 | Estimates 2015‑16 | Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 | Actual 2014‑15 |
|---|
| 2 | Economic development | $300,000 | $300,000 | - | - |
| 5 | Business risk management transfers | $5,000 | $5,000 | - | - |
| | Total operating assets to be voted | $305,000 | $305,000 | - | - |
| | Total operating assets | $305,000 | $305,000 | - | - |
Capital expense
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2016‑17 | Estimates 2015‑16 | Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 | Actual 2014‑15 |
|---|
| 7 | Agriculture and rural affairs capital | $158,782,600 | $158,799,600 | ($17,000) | $199,725,454 |
| | Total capital expense to be voted | $158,782,600 | $158,799,600 | ($17,000) | $199,725,454 |
| | Total capital expense | $158,782,600 | $158,799,600 | ($17,000) | $199,725,454 |
Standard account by item and sub-items
Operating expense
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount | Amount |
|---|
| 108-1 | Economic development | | |
|---|
| | Salaries and wages | | $23,041,700 |
| | Employee benefits | | $3,353,800 |
| | Transportation and communication | | $1,785,200 |
| | Services | | $18,820,500 |
| | Supplies and equipment | | $485,100 |
| | Transfer payments | | |
| | Agriculture development | $4,118,500 | |
| | Food industry | $34,000,000 | |
| | Growing forward - federal - economic development | $22,800,000 | |
| | Horse Racing Industry Development Program | $6,330,300 | |
| | Ontario ethanol growth fund | $35,750,000 | |
| | Ontario wine fund | $15,000,000 | |
| | Other assistance rural | $569,000 | |
| | Rural Economic Development Program | $4,535,000 | $123,102,800 |
| | Subtotal | | $170,589,100 |
| | Less: recoveries | | $2,425,000 |
| | Total operating expense to be voted | | $168,164,100 |
| | 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 | | $2,218,900 |
| | Employee benefits | | $297,800 |
| | Transportation and communication | | $176,700 |
| | Services | | $417,400 |
| | Supplies and equipment | | $90,000 |
| | Transfer payments | | |
| | Competitive research | $1,350,000 | |
| | Food safety research | $500,000 | |
| | Grants in lieu of taxes | $750,000 | |
| | Growing forward - federal - research | $6,000,000 | |
| | Strategic partnerships | $3,069,500 | |
| | University of guelph | $67,005,000 | $78,674,500 |
| | Total operating expense to be voted | | $81,875,300 |
| 108-4 | Business risk management transfers | | |
|---|
| | Transfer payments | | |
| | Agricorp | $12,928,000 | |
| | AgriInsurance | $36,000,000 | |
| | AgriInvest | $23,000,000 | |
| | AgriRecovery | $1,000 | |
| | AgriRisk Federal | $1,000 | |
| | AgriRisk Provincial | $1,000 | |
| | AgriStability | $37,193,000 | |
| | Ontario Risk Management Program | $120,000,000 | |
| | Other Assistance for Risk Management | $30,900 | |
| | Provision for loan guarantees - Commodity Loan Guarantee Program | $1,000 | |
| | Wildlife damage compensation - federal | $1,058,000 | |
| | Wildlife damage compensation - provincial | $1,000,000 | $231,213,900 |
| | Total operating expense to be voted | | $231,213,900 |
| | 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 | | $2,015,000 |
|---|
| | Total operating expense for strong agriculture, food and bio-product sectors and strong rural communities | | $483,275,300 |
Operating assets
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount | Amount |
|---|
| 108-2 | Economic development | | |
|---|
| | Deposits and prepaid expenses | | |
| | Economic development - deposits and prepaid expenses | $299,000 | |
| | Rural community development - deposits and prepaid expenses | $1,000 | $300,000 |
| | Total operating assets to be voted | | $300,000 |
| 108-5 | Business risk management transfers | | |
|---|
| | Deposits and prepaid expenses | | |
| | Business risk management - deposits and prepaid expenses, agricorp | $1,000 | |
| | Business risk management - deposits and prepaid expenses, agriInsurance | $1,000 | |
| | Business risk management - deposits and prepaid expenses, agriInvest | $1,000 | |
| | Business risk management - deposits and prepaid expenses, agriStability | $1,000 | |
| | Business risk management - deposits and prepaid expenses, other assistance for risk management | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| | Total operating assets to be voted | | $5,000 |
| | Total operating assets for strong agriculture, food and bio-product sectors and strong rural communities | | $305,000 |
Capital expense
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount | Amount |
|---|
| 108-7 | Agriculture and rural affairs capital | | |
|---|
| | Transfer payments | | |
| | Agri-food and animal health laboratory infrastructure | $500,000 | |
| | Building canada fund - communities component | $828,300 | |
| | Building canada fund - communities component - Federal contribution | $828,300 | |
| | Green infrastructure fund | $4,616,000 | |
| | Municipal infrastructure | $137,001,000 | |
| | Research and education base building investments | $3,000,000 | |
| | Research and education infrastructure renewal | $12,010,000 | $158,783,600 |
| | Less: recoveries | | $1,000 |
| | Total capital expense to be voted | | $158,782,600 |
| | Total capital expense for strong agriculture, food and bio-product sectors and strong rural communities | | $158,782,600 |
Policy Development - vote 109
The Policy Division is responsible for leading and coordinating the development of innovative, comprehensive and evidence-based advice, analysis, and recommendations in support of ministry and government priorities, including Federal-Provincial and Territorial policy.
Vote summary
Operating expense
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2016‑17 | Estimates 2015‑16 | Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 | Actual 2014‑15 |
|---|
| 1 | Policy development | $15,944,200 | $15,944,200 | - | $15,522,464 |
| | Total operating expense to be voted | $15,944,200 | $15,944,200 | - | $15,522,464 |
| | Total operating expense | $15,944,200 | $15,944,200 | - | $15,522,464 |
Standard account by item and sub-items
Operating expense
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount |
|---|
| 109-1 | Policy development | |
|---|
| | Salaries and wages | $10,627,300 |
| | Employee benefits | $1,517,700 |
| | Transportation and communication | $554,400 |
| | Services | $3,094,500 |
| | Supplies and equipment | $150,300 |
| | Total operating expense to be voted | $15,944,200 |
| | Total operating expense for policy development | $15,944,200 |
