In This Section

Topics

Agriculture is Changing — 2001 to 2006

Author: Hugh Martin, Organic Crop Production Program Lead/OMAFRA
Creation Date: 8 May 2008
Last Reviewed: 8 May 2008

The 2006 Agriculture Census reveals how agriculture is changing across the country and in our province. The first chart shows how farm types have changed and what areas of production are increasing or decreasing. In Ontario it is interesting to see that non-traditional crops and livestock farms are increasing and it would be interesting to explore what 'other' crop and animal production includes. I am sure these numbers support the notion that the marketplace is changing for agricultural products and a large determinant is the consumer.

Farm Type
Source: 2006 Agricultural Census - Statistics Canada

Ontario - Farm Type 2006 2001 Percent Change
Ontario Canada
Total Farms
57,211
59,728
-4.2%
-7.1%
Cattle ranching and farming
15,989
19,778
-19.2%
-12.3%
Hog and pig farming
2,222
2,507
-11.4%
-18.2%
Oilseed and grain farming
13,056
13,776
-5.2%
-11.5%
Fruit and tree-nut farming
1,892
1,974
-4.2%
7.6%
Poultry and egg production
1,700
1,749
-2.8%
-7.3%
Greenhouse and horticulture
2,822
2,876
-1.9%
-1.5%
Sheep and goat farming
1,365
1,262
8.2%
-7.9%
Vegetable and melon farming
8,823
7,935
11.2%
-5.6%
Other animal production
7,573
6,257
21.0%
18.0%

 

Organic Production
Source: 2006 Agricultural Census - Statistics Canada

 

Ontario - Farms Producting Certified Organic Products
  2006 2001 % Change
Total Number of Organic Farms
593
405
46.4%
Hay of field crops
467
308
51.6%
Fruits, vegetables or greenhouse products
174
120
45.0%
Animals or animal products
172
120
43.3%
Maple products
8
6
33.3%
Other products
34
32
6.3%

 

This second chart exhibits the increase in organic production in Ontario since 2001. The number of certified organic farms in Ontario grew 46% compared to 59% nationally during this period. According to the ACNielsen survey in 2007 retail sales of organic showed annual growth of 24% in grocery stores in Ontario (from 2005 to 2006). Canadian imports of Organic food products is estimated at 70%, providing a great opportunity for increased production in Ontario.

From a marketing and consumer perspective organic products continue to meet market demand for a growing sector of the population due to the fact that these products instil a sense of trust and support personal values such as health, environment, and support for the farmer.

ON Organic Index

For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca