An update to regional councillors on its five-year Grown in Niagara — Agricultural Action Plan highlighted efforts to attract investment, improve rural infrastructure, support agri-tech and prepare the sector for future challenges.
“Agriculture is identified as a core sector for development and support in Niagara Region’s 10-year economic development strategy,” Matthew McGinty, the municipality’s economic development officer for agriculture, told the planning and economic development committee earlier this month.
As a result, McGinty said, Niagara Economic Development (NED) continues to implement the agricultural action plan through workforce development, technical innovation, infrastructure advocacy, municipal co-ordination, value-added agriculture and agri-tourism.
The region is home to more than 1,600 farms with more than 84,175 hectares under cultivation, supporting more than 24,000 jobs. In terms of annual sector revenue, greenhouses lead the way, accounting for $492 million, followed by fruit ($218 million) and poultry ($124 million).
The province, however, is losing 130 hectares of farmland per day, according to Statistics Canada’s most recent 2021 census of agriculture. (Updated figures are expected in May 2027.)
With farmers feeling the ripple effects of global trade tensions such as higher equipment costs, tariffs on inputs and market access disruptions, Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop asked whether staff have concerns about the loss of agricultural lands to developers.
“In the Niagara region specifically, there’s a strong desire to preserve our agricultural lands,” McGinty replied. “I believe that the farmers will fight to keep their land, and it’s a thriving sector, but there’s always the threat from outside influence.”
West Lincoln Coun. Albert Witteveen said that during the 2022 update of the Region’s official plan, development was directed to areas “less suitable” for farming.
“We identified where growth should occur over the next 30 years so developers would know where new housing and businesses are encouraged,” Witteveen said. “The approach helped us protect important farmland, natural heritage areas and conservation lands from development.”
He said agriculture remains a strong and resilient industry in Niagara, despite ongoing challenges.
“Farmers generally feel they are doing well and maintaining their operations, but they tend to focus on continuous improvement and adapting to the various issues they face rather than boasting about their success,” Witteveen said.
McGinty said the action plan was developed with input from farmers, municipalities, industry groups and research organizations, and is built around five priorities: building a unified agricultural identity, reducing red tape, attracting and retaining agricultural talent, encouraging investment in high-value agriculture and helping the sector adapt to climate change.
Implementation began in late 2024, with Niagara Federation of Agriculture designated as the industry lead to provide a unified voice for farmers and guide the plan’s priorities.
“It’s a five-year road map for competitiveness and sustainability, as well as a commitment to strengthening connections within the sector,” McGinty said.
He listed the major initiatives underway as:
- developing promotional materials and investment attraction tools for Niagara agriculture;
- partnering with Niagara College on an agricultural education program that will introduce 1,500 to 2,000 elementary and secondary students to modern agricultural careers;
- working with Niagara Falls Innovation Hub on an agri-tech innovation forum;
- promoting the Niagara Irrigation Initiative;
- advocating for improved rural broadband, which McGinty described as essential infrastructure for modern farming; and
- supporting the successful hosting of the 2025 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in West Lincoln.
In addition, the Region is pursuing investment attraction with activities that include hosting an agrifood delegation from Norway in May 2027 to showcase Niagara’s research institutions, post-secondary education and agribusiness ecosystem and attract foreign investment. One of the Norwegian companies extracts protein from eggshells and was paired with a local poultry farmer.