Strategy for the Northern Ontario Agriculture, Aquaculture and

Strategy for the Northern Ontario Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing Sector: Update and Discussion Presentation to members of Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs September, 2016

Purpose Provide an update on development of a strategy for the Northern Ontario Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing sector Discuss: – opportunities for development of the sector in Northern Ontario – challenges/barriers to growth of the sector in Northern Ontario – the proposed strategy framework municipalities as partners in developing opportunities municipalities as part of a co-ordinated wholeof-government approach 2

Context Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, 2011 25 year Policy Framework Growth Plan identifies 11 existing and emerging priority economic sectors Northern Policy Institute Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Programs Current Economic Sector Strategies Minerals Development (MNDM) - Completed Forestry Sector (MNRF) - In Development Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing (OMAFRA) - In Development On-Going Public Engagement 3

Context October 2013 – Premier’s Growth Challenge: Premier Wynne challenged the Ontario agri-food industry to double its annual growth rate and create 120,000 jobs by the year 2020 – Northern Ontario sector growth can contribute to the response September 2014 – OMAFRA Mandate Letter: “Work with other ministries and partners to explore opportunities to develop the agricultural sector in the North” January 2016 – OMAFRA Mandate Letter Progress: “[The] ministry is working to explore possibilities for agri-food development and growth in the North, and is actively developing a strategy under the Northern Growth Plan.” 4

Northern Agriculture and Food Processing

Northern Agriculture Sector Census Data District Farms Rainy River 278 Kenora 82 Thunder Bay 239 Greater Sudbury 141 Timiskaming 404 Cochrane 177 Nipissing 247 Parry Sound 326 Manitoulin 235 Sudbury 141 Algoma 317 Total 2,587 Ontario Total 51,950 2011 Farm Receipts ( M) 15.9 3.5 32.4 10.1 60.7 10.8 13.3 10.7 12.7 8.2 13.4 191.7 million 11.891 billion 6

Opportunities for Growth Crops Livestock Aquaculture Maple Syrup Horticulture Food Processing Local Foods/Markets Others? 7

Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing: Proposed Strategy Framework Draft - Confidential 8

Questions for Discussion 1. What are the opportunities for development of the sector in Northern Ontario? 2. What are the challenges/barriers to growth of the sector in Northern Ontario? 3. Does the proposed strategy framework have the right elements? Are any changes needed to the elements? 4. What role can municipalities play as as partners in developing sector opportunities? 5. What role can municipalities play as part of a coordinated whole-of-government approach? 9

Discussion Paper: Written Comments Discussion paper titled “Northern Ontario Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing Sector Strategy” on OMAFRA website: – English: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/policy/northernagrifood.htm – Also available on line in French, Cree, Ojibwe and Oji-Cree Written comments may be provided through one of the following: – By email to [email protected] – By delivery to any OMAFRA office – By mail/courier to: 1 Stone Road West 2nd Floor NE Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2 – By fax to (519) 826-4328 Comments are appreciated by October 3, 2016. 10

Next Steps Results of engagement will be used to develop an Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing Sector Strategy for Northern Ontario, which will inform further steps and supporting initiatives As specific opportunities are identified, OMAFRA staff will follow up with interested parties Questions? 11