Summary

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness serves the needs of Ontarians and Canadians by providing the foundation for farms, agri-food processors and agribusinesses to thrive through legislative frameworks, programs and strong stakeholder relationships. The ministry's work focuses on driving growth, innovation and sustainability in farming and agri-food processing. Ministry programs are focused on food safety, plant and animal health, agri-food and agribusiness sector resiliency, environmental stewardship, research, agri-food sector labour support, economic growth and support for the supply chain and domestic marketing. These activities and programs strengthen Ontario, its places and its people in 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

Operating expense
VoteProgramEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
101Ministry Administration program24,126,90022,492,1001,634,80023,471,224
107Better Public Health and Environment103,498,30093,900,2009,598,10080,919,453
108Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities606,334,400501,325,300105,009,100495,540,882
109Policy Development16,933,80016,065,600868,20016,326,972
 Total operating expense to be voted750,893,400633,783,200117,110,200616,258,531
 Statutory appropriations1,081,0141,097,187(16,173)370,346
 Ministry total operating expense751,974,414634,880,387117,094,027616,628,877
 Consolidation adjustment — Agricorp272,296,300202,959,30069,337,000311,014,969
 Consolidation adjustment — Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO)5,094,7004,947,000147,7003,603,874
 Consolidation adjustment — Colleges---(36,951)
 Consolidation adjustment — Other---(1,076)
 Consolidation adjustment — Ontario Food Terminal Board13,000,000-13,000,000-
 Other adjustments — Bill 124---(1,894,324)
 Consolidation adjustment — General Real Estate Portfolio(4,555,700)(4,474,400)(81,300)(3,746,954)
 Total including consolidation & other adjustments1,037,809,714838,312,287199,497,427925,568,415
Operating assets
VoteProgramEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
107Better Public Health and Environment5,000,0005,000,000-3,144,500
 Total operating assets to be voted5,000,0005,000,000-3,144,500
 Ministry total operating assets5,000,0005,000,000-3,144,500
Capital expense
VoteProgramEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
107Better Public Health and Environment1,0001,000--
108Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities12,651,0009,500,0003,151,0005,000,000
 Total capital expense to be voted12,652,0009,501,0003,151,0005,000,000
 Statutory appropriations1,0001,000--
 Ministry total capital expense12,653,0009,502,0003,151,0005,000,000
 Consolidation adjustment — Agricorp1,020,1001,613,400(593,300)2,775,769
 Consolidation adjustment — Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO)(1,360,000)(676,100)(683,900)(880,900)
 Total including consolidation & other adjustments12,313,10010,439,3001,873,8006,894,869
Capital assets
VoteProgramEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
107Better Public Health and Environment2,500,0002,500,000-284,531
 Total capital assets to be voted2,500,0002,500,000-284,531
 Ministry total capital assets2,500,0002,500,000-284,531
 Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets)1,050,122,814848,751,587201,371,227932,463,284

Reconciliation to previously published data

Operating expenseEstimates 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
Total operating expense previously publishedfootnote 1641,837,987622,143,399
Government reorganization  

Transfer of functions from other ministries

543,300543,300

Transfer of functions to other ministries

(7,500,900)(6,057,822)
Restated total operating expense634,880,387616,628,877

Ministry Administration program — vote 101

The administration program includes strategic management leadership and advice, legal counsel, communications and administrative services in support of ministry and government priorities.

Vote summary

Operating expense
Item numberItemEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
1Ministry Administration24,126,90022,492,1001,634,80023,471,224
 Total operating expense to be voted24,126,90022,492,1001,634,80023,471,224
SMinister's salary, the Executive Council Act47,84147,841-49,301
SParliamentary assistant's salary, the Executive Council Act16,17332,346(16,173)23,930
 Total statutory appropriations64,01480,187(16,173)73,231
 Total operating expense24,190,91422,572,2871,618,62723,544,455

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operation expense
Vote-item numberStandard account by item and sub-itemsAmount $Amount $
101-1Ministry Administration  
 

Salaries and wages

 14,804,600
 

Employee benefits

 2,385,300
 

Transportation and communication

 636,000
 

Services

 5,548,500
 

Supplies and equipment

 752,500
 Total operating expense to be voted 24,126,900
 Sub-items:  
 Main office  
 

Salaries and wages

2,740,700 
 

Employee benefits

370,800 
 

Transportation and communication

143,600 
 

Services

183,900 
 

Supplies and equipment

270,7003,709,700
 Business services  
 

Salaries and wages

2,839,500 
 

Employee benefits

485,600 
 

Transportation and communication

235,200 
 

Services

1,200,700 
 

Supplies and equipment

190,8004,951,800
 Business planning and financial services  
 

Salaries and wages

3,302,800 
 

Employee benefits

419,000 
 

Transportation and communication

48,200 
 

Services

335,400 
 

Supplies and equipment

25,6004,131,000
 Human resources  
 

Salaries and wages

2,218,000 
 

Employee benefits

656,700 
 

Transportation and communication

52,300 
 

Services

92,700 
 

Supplies and equipment

92,3003,112,000
 Communications services  
 

Salaries and wages

3,703,600 
 

Employee benefits

453,200 
 

Transportation and communication

136,700 
 

Services

575,400 
 

Supplies and equipment

163,1005,032,000
 Legal services  
 

Transportation and communication

20,000 
 

Services

3,160,400 
 

Supplies and equipment

10,0003,190,400
 Total operating expense to be voted 24,126,900
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 24,190,914

Better Public Health and Environment — vote 107

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness plays a key role in protecting the public interest through oversight of food safety, animal health and nutrient management. It partners with the agri-food industry to provide education and program support in areas including animal health, animal welfare, food safety, traceability, nutrient management and environmental best practices. By establishing standards and regulations, the ministry promotes food safety, animal and plant health and environmental protection. It manages animal health and welfare, plant health and pollinators through inspection, surveillance and monitoring activities. Additionally, the ministry enhances food safety by delivering the provincial inspection program for meat, dairy, produce and fish, and supports pest and disease management in plants and animals through education, technical advice and tools.

Vote summary

Operating expense
Item numberItemEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
1Better Public Health and Environment103,498,30093,900,2009,598,10080,919,453
 Total operating expense to be voted103,498,30093,900,2009,598,10080,919,453
SBad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act10,00010,000-5,107
 Total statutory appropriations10,00010,000-5,107
 Total operating expense103,508,30093,910,2009,598,10080,924,560
Operating assets
Item numberItemEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
2Better Public Health and Environment5,000,0005,000,000-3,144,500
 Total operating assets to be voted5,000,0005,000,000-3,144,500
 Total operating assets5,000,0005,000,000-3,144,500
Capital expense
Item numberItemEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
4Better Public Health and Environment1,0001,000--
 Total capital expense to be voted1,0001,000--
SAmortization, the Financial Administration Act1,0001,000--
 Total statutory appropriations1,0001,000--
 Total capital expense2,0002,000--
Capital assets
Item numberItemEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
3Better Public Health and Environment2,500,0002,500,000-284,531
 Total capital assets to be voted2,500,0002,500,000-284,531
 Total capital assets2,500,0002,500,000-284,531

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense
Vote-item numberStandard account by item and sub-itemsAmount $Amount $
107-1Better Public Health and Environment  
 

Salaries and wages

 40,868,400
 

Employee benefits

 5,157,000
 

Transportation and communication

 1,772,300
 

Services

 13,602,400
 

Supplies and equipment

 851,200
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure program

15,667,000 
 

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 
 

Great Lakes Canada-Ontario Agreement

850,000 
 

Lake Simcoe Agri-Environmental Partnerships

920,00043,487,000
 Subtotal 105,738,300
 Less: recoveries 2,240,000
 Total operating expense to be voted 103,498,300
 Statutory appropriations  
 

Other transactions

  
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

 10,000
 Total operating expense for better public health and environment 103,508,300
Operating assets
Vote-item numberStandard account by item and sub-itemsAmount $Amount $
107-2Better Public Health and Environment  
 

Loans and investments

  
 

Tile drainage debentures, the Tile Drainage Act

4,800,000 
 

Tile drainage loans in unorganized territories

200,0005,000,000
 Total operating assets to be voted 5,000,000
 Total operating assets for better public health and environment 5,000,000
Capital expense
Vote-item numberStandard account by item and sub-itemsAmount $
107-4Better Public Health and Environment 
 

Other transactions

1,000
 Total capital expense to be voted1,000
 Statutory appropriations 
 

Other transactions

 
Statutory

Amortization, the Financial Administration Act

1,000
 Total capital expense for Better Public Health and Environment2,000
Capital assets
Vote-item numberStandard account by item and sub-itemsAmount $
107-3Better Public Health and Environment 
 

Business application software — asset costs

2,500,000
 Total capital assets to be voted2,500,000
 Total capital assets for Better Public Health and Environment2,500,000

Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities — vote 108

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness supports the province's agri-food and agribusiness industries 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 sector support and assistance programs, including farm income stabilization; monitoring supply chains; supporting investment in rural, food and beverage sectors; and promoting the Ontario agri-food industry in domestic and export markets.

Vote summary

Operating expense
Item numberItemEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
1Economic Development219,480,900138,755,10080,725,800122,307,992
3Research84,910,00089,626,700(4,716,700)85,620,745
4Business Risk Management transfers301,943,500272,943,50029,000,000287,612,145
 Total operating expense to be voted606,334,400501,325,300105,009,100495,540,882
SPayments: re: Guaranteed bank loans, the Financial Administration Act1,0001,000--
SPayments: re: Guaranteed bank loans, the Financial Administration Act1,0001,000--
SBad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act5,0005,000--
SBad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act1,000,0001,000,000-292,008
 Total statutory appropriations1,007,0001,007,000-292,008
 Total operating expense607,341,400502,332,300105,009,100495,832,890
Capital expense
Item numberItemEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
7Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness capital12,651,0009,500,0003,151,0005,000,000
 Total capital expense to be voted12,651,0009,500,0003,151,0005,000,000
 Total capital expense12,651,0009,500,0003,151,0005,000,000

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense
Vote-item numberStandard account by item and sub-itemsAmount $Amount $
108-1Economic Development  
 

Salaries and wages

 22,647,400
 

Employee benefits

 2,964,000
 

Transportation and communication

 1,035,200
 

Services

 4,962,700
 

Supplies and equipment

 485,100
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Agri-Food Processing Fund

5,200,000 
 

Canadian Ag Partnership-Federal-Economic Development

18,242,800 
 

FWI Mental Health program

543,300 
 

Grassroots Growth program

4,749,400 
 

Ontario Wine Fund

146,650,000 
 

Small Cidery and Small Distillery Support program

12,000,000 
 

Veterinary Incentive program

1,000187,386,500
 Total operating expense to be voted 219,480,900
108-3Research  
 

Salaries and wages

 2,719,900
 

Employee benefits

 311,500
 

Transportation and communication

 176,700
 

Services

 382,500
 

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

66,646,00081,229,400
 Total operating expense to be voted 84,910,000
108-4Business 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

44,469,500 
 

Financial protection programs and loan guarantees

55,000 
 

Ontario Risk Management program

180,000,000 
 

Wildlife Damage Compensation — Federal

1,058,000 
 

Wildlife Damage Compensation — Provincial

1,000,000301,943,500
 Total operating expense to be voted 301,943,500
 Statutory appropriations  
 

Other transactions

  
Statutory

Payments: re: Guaranteed bank loans, the Financial Administration Act

 1,000
 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
 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 607,341,400
Capital expense
Vote-item numberStandard account by item and sub-itemsAmount $Amount $
108-7Agriculture, food and agribusiness capital  
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Agri-Food and Animal Health Laboratory infrastructure

500,000 
 

Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

7,200,000 
 

Other capital transfers

1,000 
 

Research infrastructure maintenance and repairs

4,950,00012,651,000
 Total capital expense to be voted 12,651,000
 Total capital expense for Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities 12,651,000

Policy Development — vote 109

The Policy Development program includes coordination and development of innovative, evidence-based policy analysis and advice in support of ministry and government priorities. This helps to foster economic growth in Ontario's agri-food and agribusiness sectors while providing assurance and oversight of the agri-food system and supply chains and protecting the productive capacity and sustainability of Ontario's natural resources. The ministry advances Ontario's interests with respect to trade policy activity through advice on trade negotiations and market access, impact assessments on trade issues, planning and delivering trade missions to target markets and advocacy for Ontario's agri-food interests. Also within the program are the administration and delivery of farm business risk management programs and the management of the ministry's strategic partnership with Agricorp.

Vote summary

Operating expense
Item numberItemEstimates 2025–26 $Estimates 2024–25 $Difference between 2025–26 and 2024–25 $Actual 2023–24 $
1Policy Development16,933,80016,065,600868,20016,326,972
 Total operating expense to be voted16,933,80016,065,600868,20016,326,972
 Total operating expense16,933,80016,065,600868,20016,326,972

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense
Vote-item numberStandard account by item and sub-itemsAmount $
109-1Policy Development 
 

Salaries and wages

12,980,900
 

Employee benefits

1,523,100
 

Transportation and communication

554,400
 

Services

1,725,100
 

Supplies and equipment

150,300
 Total operating expense to be voted16,933,800
 Total operating expense for Policy Development16,933,800