Province plans limit on foreign farmland ownership and Clay Belt farming growth
Ontario is taking new steps to protect its farmland and strengthen the agri-food sector. The provincial government plans to introduce legislation that would limit the foreign acquisition of Ontario farmland.
The goal is to keep farms in domestic hands and protect local food production for future generations. Farmland is a limited resource and plays a key role in food security and economic growth.
“Ontario farmland is an important, limited resource and it should be owned by Ontario farmers,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
“Now more than ever we need to protect and grow our agri-food sector. These proposed changes will protect local food production, grow our economy and keep our farmland under domestic ownership for future generations,” said Trevor Jones.
If passed these changes would bring Ontario in line with other Canadian provinces that already restrict foreign ownership of farmland. The proposed rules aim to ensure that farms owned by Ontario and Canadian families remain under domestic control. This approach is expected to support a more stable and self-reliant agri food supply chain.
Along with farmland protection, the province is also focusing on growing agriculture in northern Ontario. A major part of this plan involves expanding farming activity in the Clay Belt region. The Clay Belt covers a large area across northern Ontario and Quebec and contains soil that can support crops and livestock when managed properly.
“Our government will never stop championing the immense opportunities in our northern Ontario agriculture sector,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “We are taking new action to unlock Crown Land in the Clay Belt, expand the northern Ontario agricultural footprint and grow prosperity and competitiveness to the region.”
Currently much of the Clay Belt on the Ontario side is underused for agriculture. To address this, the government plans to make it easier for farmers to access or lease Crown land in the region. Streamlining access to this land could open new opportunities for forage field crops and livestock farming while creating jobs and boosting local economies.
The province has stated that all new developments will respect Indigenous communities and their Aboriginal and treaty rights. The approach will encourage projects that strengthen regional economic ties and support long-term sustainability.
Public consultations on the proposed farmland ownership restrictions began in April 2026. The government is also working with farmers, municipalities and industry partners to gather feedback and plan fair implementation including possible exemptions.
Photo Credit: ontario-flag