Local Food and Agriculture

Agriculture in Vaughan

Yes! There is Agriculture in Vaughan. A York Region 2021 Census Release Report on agriculture revealed that there was 51 farms and 7,862 acres of farmland (including prime agriculture) in Vaughan.

Agricultural lands in Vaughan contribute to $33,127,196 in total operating farm revenue and the agriculture and agri-food sector in York Region supports 46,000 jobs.

These are important reasons to protect our agricultural lands. A Place to Grow - Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2019 outlines policies that support and enhance the long-term viability and productivity of agriculture. The Growth Plan identifies an Agricultural System to be protected in the long-term and encourages municipalities to implement food strategies and provide opportunities to support access to healthy, local and affordable food; urban agriculture, and agri-food/product businesses.

Fun facts: 

• In 2021, there were 604 farms in York Region and 67 of those farms (11%) reported using solar, bioenergy/biomass combustion or geothermal technology to generate renewable energy!

• Vaughan is home to 1,296 agri-food businesses and 131 food and beverage manufacturers.

   

Making a Difference

So, what is Vaughan doing to support the agri-food network? The City is committed to support the agri-food network by:

1. Stewardship: develop urban agriculture programming with a vision based on nature, food, agriculture, heritage, tourism and education.
2. Development: promote urban agriculture through the Sustainability Performance Metrics Program.
3. Education: support local food initiatives through education events at local venues to our residents.
4. Inventory: identify and map the agri-food assets in the City.
5. Transformation: create naturalized spaces on City-owned property such as community gardens and pollinator habitats.

The City of Vaughan is also a member of the York Regional Food Council. The York Region Food Council works to build networks across the food system, conduct research on the York Region food system, educate through public events, advocate for policy changes that foster a healthy food system, and support the creation and implementation of food system initiatives. 

York Region Community Food Asset Map

This interactive map is designed to highlight the food-related resources and services available across York Region. Even though this map provides an overview of the food resources in the region, it’s important to note that it is a snapshot in time and not kept up to date with service hours or program changes. Additionally, not all services mapped are open to the public. For those seeking food supports like food banks or community meals, please visit 211 online or call/text 2-1-1. 

Local Food & Healthy Eating

Food is vital – it nourishes us, supports active lifestyles and brings people together – and when we buy local food, we help to create vibrant, resilient communities.

Local is better! When you buy local, you:

• Contribute to economic viability - support local economic growth by supporting local farmers and businesses
• Eat healthier – buying closer to home means the food is fresher
• Become a community steward – build a sense of social responsibility
• Reduce carbon footprint - food comes from a farm close to home which reduces transportation distances

Tips for buying local:

• Visit local farms and farmer’s markets. Visit York Farm Fresh for locations across York Region or download the York Farm Fresh Map. Also visit Greenbelt fresh or Ontario fresh to locate fresh and local food in Ontario.
• Look for the Foodland Ontario logo when shopping at grocery stores;
• Plant your own backyard garden or volunteer for a City community garden

The Provincial Plan Areas

Greenbelt Area

Ontario’s Greenbelt lands encompass protected natural heritage areas and productive agricultural lands (farmland). The Greenbelt Area covers more than 2 million acres of land – bigger than the Province of Prince Edward Island!

The Greenbelt is worth protecting! It provides:

• Habitat to 78 Species at Risk including wildlife, flora and fauna 
• clean drinking water by protecting 108,629 hectares of small lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams that feed into the Great Lakes
• Employment and income to 5,500 farms
• 10,000 km of trails for everyone to enjoy
• Forests that create cleaner air as it stores enough carbon to offset the emissions from 27 million cars in 1 year

Explore the Greenbelt to find fresh and local food!

Oak Ridges Moraine Area

The Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) covers 190,203 hectares of natural heritage areas in Ontario. The ORM is known for abundant aquifers that provide clean, cool water to many streams. The ORM protects clean and abundant water resources; healthy and diverse plant and animal habitat; and productive agricultural areas.

Meet the 2024 farm fresh farms and markets in Vaughan!