Fresh Ontario Carrots Reach Markets as Harvest Accelerates
Carrots are among Ontario's most important vegetable crops, contributing significantly to local food production and year-round fresh produce availability.
Ontario grows the most carrots of any Canadian province – 45% of the country’s carrots. According to Statistics Canada, Ontario has led the country in carrot production and marketed sales every year since 2000. In 2022, Ontario produced about 159,380 metric tonnes of carrots, compared to 117,382 metric tonnes in Quebec, the second-largest producer.
Nationally, the farm gate value for carrots reached $192.9 million. Approximately 80% of the crop goes to the fresh market, with the rest processed; farms average yields equivalent to over 198,000 tons annually.
As with many other vegetables, carrot production is concentrated in the following vegetable-growing districts across southern Ontario:
- Holland Marsh
- York Region
- Simcoe County
- Bradford West Gwillimbury area
- Norfolk County
- Niagara Region
The Holland Marsh remains the province's most recognized carrot-growing region.
Carrots and onions account for roughly 70% to 80% of the farmland in the Marsh, and the region has historically produced a significant share of Ontario's carrot acreage.
Why Ontario Is Ideal for Growing Carrots
Ontario's climate and soil conditions are particularly well suited to carrot production. Deep, fertile soils combined with adequate moisture and a long growing season help support strong root development and high yields.
The muck soils of the Holland Marsh are especially valued because they allow growers to produce high-quality carrots that can be stored and marketed throughout the year. The province's storage infrastructure also helps maintain a continuous supply of locally grown carrots long after harvest concludes.
2026 Growing Season Challenges
Ontario's 2026 carrot crop has faced some weather-related challenges during the growing season. According to Ontario vegetable crop specialists, extreme summer heat has affected some carrot fields, particularly recently planted acreage. Reports from July identified heat-related issues, including losses caused by heat canker in certain fields. Growers have been encouraged to continue irrigating where possible to reduce crop stress.
There have been no reports of widespread province-wide crop failure, and growers continue to manage conditions through irrigation and careful crop management.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmaroscar