Publication 851: Guidelines on Permitted Uses in Ontario's Prime Agricultural Areas
Learn about permitted land uses in Ontario’s prime agricultural areas and access provincial guidelines.
Executive summary
Ontario's prime agricultural areas are the province's most fertile areas where most of our crops are produced and livestock are raised. Prime agricultural areas are the foundation of local food production, agri-food exports and the growing bio economy, and make a significant contribution to Ontario's jobs and economic prosperity. The farmland that comprises prime agricultural areas is finite and non-renewable. Care must be taken to ensure this resource is available for generations to come.
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 (PPS) protects prime agricultural areas for long-term agricultural use, and supports a thriving agricultural industry and rural economy by permitting a range of different uses on agricultural land.
The PPS permits a range of uses in Ontario's prime agricultural areas, such as:
- agricultural uses
- agriculture-related uses
- on-farm diversified uses
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' (OMAFRA) Guidelines on Permitted Uses in Ontario's Prime Agricultural Areas are intended to help municipalities, decision-makers and farmers interpret PPS policies on permitted uses.
Supporting a broad range of economic opportunities in our prime agricultural areas strengthens the rural economy while also protecting the finite resource that agriculture depends upon.
Please also check the municipal official plan and zoning by-laws for your area.