Agribusiness

Historically agricultural, Elgin County is ideally suited to agri-business with a fertile soil base and plentiful growing season. There are currently over 130,000 hectares being utilized in full agricultural production in the County, managed by 1,489 farms.

Elgin County’s economy is largely driven by agriculture and agribusiness:

• Providing 19.7% of the County’s jobs
  
  
• Producing $558 million in sales annually from farms and businesses that purchase from or sell to farms.
  
  
• For every dollar in farm gate sales, an additional $1.13 is generated for agribusiness.

Agriculture and agribusinesses in Ontario are being transformed by technology and consumer demand, contributing to the growth of processed food and consumer-oriented food products. Elgin County is adapting to these changes by actively promoting and attracting agribusiness operations.

Elgin County's location, competitive labour and business costs make it the ideal locale for smaller farms and companies to compete with larger operations for the growing consumer demand for innovative and higher-quality products.

Elgin County's local agribusiness companies and farms are on the progressive forefront of new technologies being developed and used for food processing, alternative fuel generation, greenhouse production, organic farming and aquaculture.

For more information on agriculture please visit the links below:

Federal

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
The AAFC provides information, research and technology, and policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation for growth.

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CRA)
The CRA administers tax laws for the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories; and various social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system.

Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development Fund (CARD)
CARD is the Government of Canada's initiative to foster the increased long-term growth, employment and competitiveness of Canada's agricultural and agri-food industry and agricultural rural areas.

Canadian Farm Business Management Council
The Canadian Farm Business Management Council is the only national organization in Canada devoted exclusively to developing and distributing advanced farm management information.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency delivers all federal inspection services related to food; animal health and plant protection.

Canadian Rural Partnership
The Canadian Rural Partnership s the key policy framework supporting federal rural policy efforts to date.

Farm Dept Mediation Service
The Farm Dept Mediation Service provides insolvent farmers and their creditors with mediation services pursuant to the federal Farm Debt Mediation Act (FDMA) and Regulations to help them arrive at a mutually satisfactory arrangement.

Statistics Canada
Stats Canada produces statistics that help Canadians better understand their country - its population, resources, economy, society and culture.

The Farm Consultation Service
The Farm Consultation Service provides confidential financial management counselling to farmers through a path finding/referral service and a direct, one-on-one financial management counselling service.

The Rural Secretariat
The Rural Secretariat is a focal point for the Government of Canada to work in partnership with Canadians in rural and remote areas to build strong, dynamic communities.

Provincial

Government of Ontario
The Government of Ontario’s portal is the starting point to find services and information related to the Province of Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
OMAFRA provides information on Ontario's dynamic agri-food industry and rural communities.

Ministry of the Environment
The Ministry of the Environment provides resources and information regarding Ontario's environmental health.

Non-Government Agencies

Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program
The Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program is an executive development program for men and women who want to broaden their horizons and expand their networks to help shape the future of the agriculture and food sectors in Ontario.

Farms.com
Farms.com is a portal devoted to Agri-business and provides a wealth of information and services to Ag-based businesses and people from the US and Canada.

Junior Farmers Association of Ontario
The Junior Farmers Association of Ontario’s Mission Statement: "To Build Future Rural Leaders Through Self Help and Community Betterment", Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario offer a wide variety of programs throughout the year to each member and each club across the province.

OATI Learning Group
OATI Learning Group provides clients with the best and the latest in consulting advice as it relates to training, development and assessment services.

Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Ontario Federation of Agriculture is a farmer-lead dynamic provincial lobby which works to represent the interests of its farm members to government.

Ontario Institute of Agrologists (OIA)
Ontario Institute of Agrologisits (OIA) is a vital network of competent members providing quality advice and service to the agri-food system.

Ontario Rural Council (TORC)
The Ontario Rural Council (TORC) is a trusted forum which brings together those who share a commitment to building strong rural communities and organizations. The Council provides a unique and important opportunity for multi-sector co-operation within the rural sector.

Elgin County Rural Organizations
A guide to your farm and rural community. Compiled and Maintained by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, London Resource Centre.