Expenditure Estimates for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (2026–2027)
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
| Vote | Program | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Ministry Administration Program | 24,136,400 | 24,126,900 | 9,500 | 23,594,978 |
| 107 | Better Public Health and Environment | 105,540,400 | 103,498,300 | 2,042,100 | 109,768,722 |
| 108 | Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities | 608,895,000 | 606,334,400 | 2,560,600 | 517,309,299 |
| 109 | Policy Development | 17,355,100 | 16,933,800 | 421,300 | 15,471,552 |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 755,926,900 | 750,893,400 | 5,033,500 | 666,144,551 | |
| Statutory appropriations | 1,106,060 | 1,081,014 | 25,046 | 629,271 | |
| Ministry total operating expense | 757,032,960 | 751,974,414 | 5,058,546 | 666,773,822 | |
| Consolidation adjustment — Agricorp | 245,130,100 | 272,296,300 | (27,166,200) | 223,052,680 | |
| Consolidation adjustment — Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) | 7,652,600 | 5,094,700 | 2,557,900 | 5,603,160 | |
| Consolidation adjustment — Colleges | - | - | - | (122,343) | |
| Consolidation adjustment — Ontario Food Terminal Board | 13,032,700 | 13,000,000 | 32,700 | - | |
| Consolidation adjustment — general real estate portfolio | (3,454,400) | (4,555,700) | 1,101,300 | (3,466,769) | |
| Consolidation adjustment — Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation | - | - | - | (7,324) | |
| Total including consolidation and other adjustments | 1,019,393,960 | 1,037,809,714 | (18,415,754) | 891,833,226 |
| Vote | Program | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 107 | Better Public Health and Environment | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | - | 2,862,200 |
| Total operating assets to be voted | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | - | 2,862,200 | |
| Ministry total operating assets | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | - | 2,862,200 |
| Vote | Program | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 107 | Better Public Health and Environment | 1,000 | 1,000 | - | - |
| 108 | Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities | 27,700,000 | 12,651,000 | 15,049,000 | 5,000,000 |
| Total capital expense to be voted | 27,701,000 | 12,652,000 | 15,049,000 | 5,000,000 | |
| Statutory appropriations | 1,000 | 1,000 | - | - | |
| Ministry total capital expense | 27,702,000 | 12,653,000 | 15,049,000 | 5,000,000 | |
| Consolidation adjustment — Agricorp | 572,900 | 1,020,100 | (447,200) | 2,770,253 | |
| Consolidation adjustment — Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) | (18,706,000) | (1,360,000) | (17,346,000) | (663,249) | |
| Consolidation adjustment — Ontario Food Terminal Board | 2,257,800 | - | 2,257,800 | - | |
| Total including consolidation and other adjustments | 11,826,700 | 12,313,100 | (486,400) | 7,107,004 |
| Vote | Program | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 107 | Better Public Health and Environment | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | - | 2,489,699 |
| Total capital assets to be voted | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | - | 2,489,699 | |
| Ministry total capital assets | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | - | 2,489,699 | |
| Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) | 1,031,220,660 | 1,050,122,814 | (18,902,154) | 898,940,230 |
Reconciliation to previously published data
| Operating expense | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|
| Total operating expense previously published |
751,974,414 | 673,271,102 |
| Government reorganization | ||
Transfer of functions from other ministries |
- | 543,300 |
Transfer of functions to other ministries |
- | (7,040,580) |
| Restated Total Operating Expense | 751,974,414 | 666,773,822 |
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
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ministry Administration | 24,136,400 | 24,126,900 | 9,500 | 23,594,978 |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 24,136,400 | 24,126,900 | 9,500 | 23,594,978 | |
| S | Minister's salary, the Executive Council Act | 66,559 | 47,841 | 18,718 | 89,700 |
| S | Parliamentary assistant's salary, the Executive Council Act | 22,501 | 16,173 | 6,328 | 35,155 |
| Total statutory appropriations | 89,060 | 64,014 | 25,046 | 124,855 | |
| Total operating expense | 24,225,460 | 24,190,914 | 34,546 | 23,719,833 |
Standard accounts classification
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount $ | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101-1 | Ministry Administration | ||
Salaries and wages |
14,901,600 | ||
Employee benefits |
2,337,800 | ||
Transportation and communication |
636,000 | ||
Services |
5,508,500 | ||
Supplies and equipment |
752,500 | ||
| Total operating expense to be voted | 24,136,400 | ||
| Sub-items: | |||
| Main office | |||
Salaries and wages |
2,466,400 | ||
Employee benefits |
308,700 | ||
Transportation and communication |
85,200 | ||
Services |
241,900 | ||
Supplies and equipment |
96,300 | 3,198,500 | |
| Business services | |||
Salaries and wages |
2,614,800 | ||
Employee benefits |
329,300 | ||
Transportation and communication |
433,000 | ||
Services |
984,200 | ||
Supplies and equipment |
158,100 | 4,519,400 | |
| Business planning and financial services | |||
Salaries and wages |
3,562,200 | ||
Employee benefits |
448,900 | ||
Transportation and communication |
16,300 | ||
Services |
149,200 | ||
Supplies and equipment |
24,000 | 4,200,600 | |
| Human resources | |||
Salaries and wages |
2,255,700 | ||
Employee benefits |
748,000 | ||
Transportation and communication |
29,500 | ||
Services |
182,600 | ||
Supplies and equipment |
151,100 | 3,366,900 | |
| Communications services | |||
Salaries and wages |
4,002,500 | ||
Employee benefits |
502,900 | ||
Transportation and communication |
65,000 | ||
Services |
806,700 | ||
Supplies and equipment |
311,000 | 5,688,100 | |
| Legal services | |||
Transportation and communication |
7,000 | ||
Services |
3,143,900 | ||
Supplies and equipment |
12,000 | 3,162,900 | |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 24,136,400 | ||
| Statutory appropriations | |||
| Statutory | Minister's salary, the Executive Council Act |
66,559 | |
| Statutory | Parliamentary assistant's salary, the Executive Council Act |
22,501 | |
| Total operating expense for ministry administration program | 24,225,460 |
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
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Better Public Health and Environment | 105,540,400 | 103,498,300 | 2,042,100 | 109,768,722 |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 105,540,400 | 103,498,300 | 2,042,100 | 109,768,722 | |
| S | Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act | 10,000 | 10,000 | - | 15,668 |
| Total statutory appropriations | 10,000 | 10,000 | - | 15,668 | |
| Total operating expense | 105,550,400 | 103,508,300 | 2,042,100 | 109,784,390 |
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Better Public Health and Environment | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | - | 2,862,200 |
| Total operating assets to be voted | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | - | 2,862,200 | |
| Total Operating Assets | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | - | 2,862,200 |
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Better Public Health and Environment | 1,000 | 1,000 | - | - |
| Total capital expense to be voted | 1,000 | 1,000 | - | - | |
| S | Amortization, the Financial Administration Act | 1,000 | 1,000 | - | - |
| Total statutory appropriations | 1,000 | 1,000 | - | - | |
| Total capital expense | 2,000 | 2,000 | - | - |
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Better Public Health and Environment | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | - | 2,489,699 |
| Total capital assets to be voted | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | - | 2,489,699 | |
| Total capital assets | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | - | 2,489,699 |
Standard accounts classification
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount $ | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 107-1 | Better Public Health and Environment | ||
Salaries and wages |
42,710,500 | ||
Employee benefits |
5,157,000 | ||
Transportation and communication |
1,772,300 | ||
Services |
13,802,400 | ||
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 |
920,000 | 43,487,000 | |
| Subtotal | 107,780,400 | ||
| Less: Recoveries | 2,240,000 | ||
| Total operating expense to be voted | 105,540,400 | ||
| Statutory appropriations | |||
Other transactions |
|||
| Statutory | Bad Debt Expense, the Financial Administration Act |
10,000 | |
| Total operating expense for Better Public Health and Environment | 105,550,400 |
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount $ | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount $ | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Vote-item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount $ | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 107-3 | Better Public Health and Environment | ||
Business application software — asset costs |
2,500,000 | ||
| Total capital assets to be voted | 2,500,000 | ||
| Total capital assets for Better Public Health and Environment | 2,500,000 |
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. The ministry monitors animal and plant health, including pest and disease mitigation, and delivers sector support and assistance programs, including farm income stabilization. The ministry also monitors supply chains, supports investment in rural, food and beverage sectors, and promotes the Ontario agri-food industry in domestic and export markets.
Vote summary
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Economic Development | 190,238,600 | 219,480,900 | (29,242,300) | 144,697,531 |
| 3 | Research | 85,212,900 | 84,910,000 | 302,900 | 91,065,958 |
| 4 | Business Risk Management Transfers | 333,443,500 | 301,943,500 | 31,500,000 | 281,545,810 |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 608,895,000 | 606,334,400 | 2,560,600 | 517,309,299 | |
| S | Payments: re: Guaranteed Bank Loans, the Financial Administration Act | 1,000 | 1,000 | - | - |
| 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 | - | - |
| S | Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | - | 488,748 |
| Total statutory appropriations | 1,007,000 | 1,007,000 | - | 488,748 | |
| Total operating expense | 609,902,000 | 607,341,400 | 2,560,600 | 517,798,047 |
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Capital | 27,700,000 | 12,651,000 | 15,049,000 | 5,000,000 |
| Total capital expense to be voted | 27,700,000 | 12,651,000 | 15,049,000 | 5,000,000 | |
| Total capital expense | 27,700,000 | 12,651,000 | 15,049,000 | 5,000,000 |
Standard accounts classification
| Vote- item number |
Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount $ | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 108-1 | Economic Development | ||
Salaries and wages |
23,479,100 | ||
Employee benefits |
2,964,000 | ||
Transportation and communication |
1,035,200 | ||
Services |
4,963,700 | ||
Supplies and equipment |
485,100 | ||
Transfer payments |
|||
Agri-Food Processing Fund |
2,600,000 | ||
Canadian Ag Partnership-Federal-Economic Development |
18,242,800 | ||
FWI Mental Health Program |
543,300 | ||
Grassroots Growth Program |
4,749,400 | ||
Ontario Wine Fund |
124,650,000 | ||
Small Cidery and Small Distillery Support Program |
6,525,000 | ||
Veterinary Incentive Program |
1,000 | 157,311,500 | |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 190,238,600 | ||
| 108-3 | Research | ||
Salaries and wages |
2,822,800 | ||
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 |
1,250,000 | ||
University of Guelph |
66,646,000 | 81,479,400 | |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 85,212,900 | ||
| 108-4 | Business Risk Management Transfers | ||
Transfer payments |
|||
Agricorp |
15,258,000 | ||
AgriInsurance |
41,500,000 | ||
AgriInvest |
21,100,000 | ||
AgriRecovery |
1,000 | ||
AgriRisk Federal |
1,000 | ||
AgriRisk Provincial |
1,000 | ||
AgriStability |
43,469,500 | ||
Financial protection programs and loan guarantees |
55,000 | ||
Ontario Risk Management Program |
210,000,000 | ||
Wildlife Damage Compensation — Federal |
1,058,000 | ||
Wildlife Damage Compensation — Provincial |
1,000,000 | 333,443,500 | |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 333,443,500 | ||
| 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 | 609,902,000 |
| Vote- item number |
Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount $ | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 108-7 | Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Capital | ||
Transfer payments |
|||
Agri-food and animal health laboratory infrastructure |
500,000 | ||
Collaborative doctor of veterinary medicine |
4,500,000 | ||
Research infrastructure maintenance and repairs |
7,000,000 | ||
Research infrastructure renewal |
15,700,000 | 27,700,000 | |
| Total capital expense to be voted | 27,700,000 | ||
| Total capital expense for Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities | 27,700,000 |
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
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2026–27 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Difference Between 2026–27 and 2025–26 $ | Actual 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Policy Development | 17,355,100 | 16,933,800 | 421,300 | 15,471,552 |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 17,355,100 | 16,933,800 | 421,300 | 15,471,552 | |
| Total operating expense | 17,355,100 | 16,933,800 | 421,300 | 15,471,552 |
Standard accounts classification
| Vote- item number |
Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| 109-1 | Policy Development | |
Salaries and wages |
13,402,200 | |
Employee benefits |
1,523,100 | |
Transportation and communication |
554,400 | |
Services |
1,725,100 | |
Supplies and equipment |
150,300 | |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 17,355,100 | |
| Total operating expense for Policy Development | 17,355,100 |
Footnotes
- footnote[1] Back to paragraph Total operating expense includes statutory appropriations, special warrants and total operating expense to be voted.