Northern Ontario

Crown land

Learn about the economic development, tourism and recreation opportunities on Ontario’s Crown land.

Far North

How we partner with First Nations communities to protect the environment and spur economic development in the Far North.

Northern development

Information to help start a business, access support services or invest in Northern Ontario.

Ring of Fire

Learn about mining opportunities for the Ring of Fire and development in the Far North.

Mining and minerals

Information about mining claims, geology and mineral development in Ontario.

Winter roads

Learn about Northern Ontario’s ice roads and how they connect the Far North to the rest of the province.

Northern Highways Program

Find Northern Ontario highway expansion and rehabilitation projects that are planned or underway.

Agriculture and farming

Livestock and poultry

Find information about livestock production, including nutrition, business management, marketing, production and breeding.

Crops

Learn about field, fruit, vegetable and specialty crops, including tips for soil, water and pest management.

Soil

Learn how to keep your soil healthy through best management practices, including soil erosion, composting, nutrient management and soil testing.

Weeds

View and identify weeds found across Ontario that affect crops and livestock.

Agriculture business management

Get help to start, operate, grow and manage your farm business.

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)

Learn about funding for the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector.

AgMaps

Create custom maps and find Ontario agricultural data using this interactive online tool.

Drainage

Learn about the Drainage Act and find resources for producers, municipalities and tile drainage contractors.

AgriSuite

Plan your nutrient application, calculate minimum distance separation between farm buildings and find other planning calculators and tools.

Research and innovation

Find research funding programs for the agri-food industry and learn about innovation in the sector.

Licences, registrations, certifications and permits

Get the application form for different types of individual and agri-food business licences, registrations, certifications and permits.

Apiculture

Find information about honey bee health and beekeeping in Ontario, including regulations, registration, permits and resources.

Custom farm work rates

Learn about the rates charged in 2021 by farm work operators.

Local food and food safety

Foodland Ontario

Learn about the local foods grown in Ontario, see what’s in season and find recipes.

Food safety and traceability

Learn about food label requirements, complying with legislation and how to get your Premises Identification Number.

Food inspection programs

Information about inspection programs for dairy, eggs, fish, meat, apiculture and foods of plant origin.

Rural economic development funding and programs

Explore the programs, tools and resources available to communities for economic development and revitalization projects.

Rural Economic Development (RED)

Get money to improve your rural community’s economy.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

Explore funding opportunities for community, business and non-profit projects.

Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF)

How to apply for funding to support infrastructure projects in small communities.

Grassroots Growth Program (GGP)

Explore how you can help provide broader opportunities and greater benefits for the agri-food sector and rural communities in Ontario.

Agriculture Economic Development Program

Find out how you can support local agriculture to promote economic growth in your community.

Analyst: economic analysis software

If you’re part of an organization you may be eligible to access industry and job trends for your region.

Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E)

Learn how to strengthen businesses in your community.

Community Immigrant Retention in Rural Ontario (CIRRO)

Help newcomers and youth settle in your community and keep it economically vibrant.

Downtown Revitalization (DR)

Learn the steps you can take to make your rural community’s downtown area vibrant and appealing.

First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE)

Discover how well your community serves visitors.

Performance measurement for agriculture, agri-food and economic development organizations

Read our guide on how to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of projects, programs and initiatives, as it relates to economic development.

Contact us

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Growing Ontario’s agri-food sector and supporting rural communities, helping to create a stronger economy for the province.

Ministry of Northern Development

Promoting economic and community development in Northern Ontario with business support services, grants and loans.

Ministry of Mines

Overseeing Ontario’s mineral sector, providing geoscience information and supporting sustainable development in the Ring of Fire.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Protecting Ontario’s biodiversity while promoting economic opportunities in the resource sector and supporting outdoor recreation opportunities.

Ministry of Indigenous Affairs

Working to ensure a better future for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Ministry of Energy

Working to develop a safe, reliable and affordable energy supply across the province.