Agriculture & Agri-businesses | Loyalist Township

Agricultural Resources & Support

Agriculture thrives in Loyalist Township. Strategically located within a 3-hour drive of 14 million Canadians, Loyalist provides an ideal setting for manufacturing and agri-food operations. As demand for locally produced food grows and population increases place greater pressure on food security, Loyalist stands ready to support and grow a strong, sustainable agri-sector.

This area is home to significant beef and dairy farms, grain and crop-farming, apiaries, wineries, breweries, and more, with room to grow. Loyalist is one of the faster growing municipalities in Eastern Ontario, creating demand and opportunity for your agri-business to flourish.

Find resources, support, and funding options available to help Loyalist farmers grow.

Promoting agriculture and rural heritage since 1835, the Odessa Agricultural Society aims to connect local farmers, food, and community. Check out the Odessa Fair, running for almost 200 years, and other community events and education opportunities supported by the society.

Building on 150 years of history, the Amherst Island Agricultural Society serves to promote agriculture on Amherst Island and support agri-businesses facing the unique challenges of "island life"!

The Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub was created to enhance Ontario agri-businesses ability to compete in an ever-changing market and to help strengthen the agri-business sector through mentorship and guidance. Connect with business resources, professional support services, and learn core operations including marketing, regulatory compliance, and more.

A farmer-led organization, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture advocates and supports more than 38,000 farms across the province. Explore their website to learn more about OFA's advocacy for sustainable farming.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada supports the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector through initiatives that promote innovation and competitiveness. Find key programs, services, and research to support your agribusiness.

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA)

Are you in the agriculture, food, and agri-business sector? Connect with OMAFA today for assistance with:

Crop and nutrient management
Cost analysis for crop and livestock farming
Farm business decision calculator tool
Land use and management - adverse weather, soil maintenance, water management
Local food resources and Community Supported Agriculture programs
Research and statistics

AgPal Program and Service Finder

Find programs and services supporting agriculture across Canada with one handy tool, AgPal. With numerous investment programs available, find the right option for your agri-business such as:

Clean Technology Program
Kosher and Halal Investment Program
Poultry and Egg-On Farm Investment Program
Supply Management Processing Investment Fund
And many more!

Financial Resources for Agri-businesses

Ontario Agri-food Innovation Alliance

A collaboration between OMAFA, the University of Guelph, and Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario, Alliance programming works to fund research projects that support achieving assurance in food safety, protecting public health and the environment, and growing Ontario's capacity to produce food.

Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative

Funded by the Governments of Ontario and Canada, the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative aims to provide funding for agri-food research and innovation projects in Ontario. There a number of funding streams available from applied research grants to commercialization stream funding.

Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program

Under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program offers funding to eligible Ontario farmers to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon including reducing tillage, establishing or enhancing wetlands, grasslands or water retention ponds, and, planting biomass crops, warm season pastures, or trees and shrubs.

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments offers multiple cost-share funding opportunities to support innovation and resiliency in the agri-food and business sector. Explore the numerous initiatives available to find the right fit for your business.

Special Provisions for Financial Difficulties

Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Ontario farmers may qualify for financial support services if they are experiencing financial difficulties. Explore the details to see how a Farm Financial Analysis could assist.

Farm Credit Canada

Farm Credit Canada supports farmers across the agri-sector from primary producers to the retail market. Find resources, software, and financing options to support your business.

Succession Planning

By the year 2033, 40% of Canada's primary producers will retire with no plan in place for who will continue their farm's legacy. A staggering 88% of farmers in Canada do not have a formal succession plan, with many farmers only having a verbal plan in place.

Succession planning is difficult, emotional, and layered. It's not as simple as handing over the keys to the farm when this farm has become your home.

The Government of Ontario recognizes the need for practical guidance and tools to plan for a successful business transition. Succession Ontario is an online planning hub designed to help small businesses plan for the future of their business. Find a resource library of available tools and connect with an advisor to learn more.

Agriculture in Loyalist

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA)

AgPal Program and Service Finder