Proposed Pilot Sites

The pilot seeks to establish pilot sites using a limited amount of Crown land. The goal is to:
  • Expand livestock farming in Northern Ontario and;
  • Provide opportunities for research and demonstration to inform future development of the sector
  • Benefits will include:
    • Jumpstarting livestock expansion in the Great Clay Belt area using a low-density pasture based farming system
    • Showcasing new and innovative best management and production practices specific to the north that supports environmental, social and economic sustainability
    • Conducting applied research and demonstration on the pilot sites to understand any impacts and improve practices in a Northern Ontario setting
    • Creating opportunities for mentorship and skills development

    Eight sites have been identified for the proposed pilot sites which are located within the municipalities of Opasatika and Val Rita-Harty using Crown land. These pilot sites have been selected for their soil fertility, suitability for low-density, forage and pasture-based livestock farming, and their accessibility to roads. Applications for the disposition of the eight pilot sites have been submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and will be subject to MNRF's Class Environmental Assessment for Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects and will respect the Crown's Duty to Consult.

    This map shows the Northern Livestock Pilot area, which includes the area from Hearst to Cochrane in Northeastern Ontario along Highway 11. The map also shows eight proposed pilot sites, including five proposed sites in the Township of Opasatika and three in the Municipality of Val Rita-Harty. The map also has an inset map of the Province of Ontario that shows the Northern Livestock Pilot area.

    Public comment on the pilot project will inform the decision for disposition of Crown land. Comments are appreciated by March 29th, 2018.

    Comments can be submitted by e-mail: livestocknorth@ontario.ca

    Or submitted at any of OMAFRA's regional offices


For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca