Publication 851: Guidelines on Permitted Uses in Ontario's Prime Agricultural Areas
Learn about the range of different land uses permitted in Ontario’s prime agricultural areas and access provincial guidelines.
Executive summary
Ontario's prime agricultural areas comprise the fertile land where the province’s crops are grown and livestock are raised. Prime agricultural areas are the foundation of local food production, agri-food exports and the growing bioeconomy, and significantly contribute to Ontario's jobs and economic prosperity. The farmland that comprises prime agricultural areas is a limited, non-renewable resource. Care must be taken to ensure this resource is available for generations to come.
The Provincial Planning Statement (PPS), 2024 contains policies to protect prime agricultural areas for long-term agricultural use. The PPS 2024 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 Agribusiness' (OMAFA) Guidelines on Permitted Uses in Ontario's Prime Agricultural Areas (Publication 851) are intended to assist municipalities, decision-makers and farmers interpret PPS 2024 policies on permitted uses.
Supporting a broad range of economic opportunities in prime agricultural areas strengthens the rural economy while also protecting the finite resource that agriculture depends upon.
The guidelines should be read in conjunction with municipal official plans and zoning by-laws for details on local implementation.