Ontario could reap millions by replacing food imports

Friday, May 1, 2015

A study of southern Ontario agriculture found that more than half of all food imports could be produced in-province, the CBC reports.

The study – Dollars & Sense: Opportunities to Strengthen Southern Ontario's Food System – was sponsored by the Greenbelt Foundation, the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and the Metcalf Foundation. It researched the various sectors of the southern Ontario food system, then explored scenarios that could change the system for the better. McMaster University economics professor Atif Kubursi – one of four authors of the study – told the CBC that the study's purpose was to find out what untapped opportunities exist in Ontario's food and agricultural sector.

One of the main findings of the study was that Ontario imports $20 billion worth of food every year, over 50 per cent of which could theoretically be produced in Ontario. According to the study, if Ontario were to replace the top 10 imported fruits and vegetables by growing them here instead, $250 million could be created for the economy. But, to achieve this, some farmers would need to switch from major crops such as corn, wheat and soybeans. Former Ontario Agriculture Minister Steve Peters told the Toronto Sun this would be the largest hurdle; making sure farms stay profitable must be key to any plans.

According to the CBC, southern Ontario generally has to import potatoes, strawberries, apples, cabbage, beef, chicken and lamb but produces a surplus of tomatoes, peppers, carrots, sweet corn, pork, turkey, grain and oilseeds. BF