Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Economic Development Division

The Economic Development Division of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for programs and services to support information technology transfer. Staff work with farmers, agri-businesses, municipalities, and other partners in the agriculture and rural sectors to identify needs and opportunities, adopt new technologies and make sound business decisions. It is responsible for expanding Ontario food and agricultural sales in export and domestic markets, and providing support to the processing industry through investment attraction, investment retention and sector development.

• Agriculture Development Branch is responsible for dealing with issues relating to agricultural production (crops and livestock), business management and marketing, and coordinates the delivery of technology programs across Ontario. The branch promotes high quality agricultural production through the application of best management practices, on-farm quality assurance programs and plant and animal health strategies. The branch also provides business management resources that assist clients with farm business development.
• Business Development Branch supports the economic development of Ontario's agriculture, food and bio-product sectors in domestic and international markets. The branch consists of a Business & Investment Development Unit (BID), a Strategic Intelligence & Marketing Unit (SIM), an Export Marketing Unit (EMU) and a Domestic Marketing Unit (DMU).
• Regional Economic Development Branch leads the Economic Development Division's effort to support rural Ontario in building strong, vital communities with diversified economies and healthy social and environmental climates. The branch works collaboratively with rural communities, municipalities, businesses and organizations to undertake economic development initiatives by providing programs, funding and technology transfer expertise. Staff coordinate the delivery of leading-edge agriculture and rural economic development technical information and business services including local food promotion and marketing to a wide variety of clients and stakeholders across the province. They also provide professional administrative support to Ministry program delivery and facility management support across the province.
• Rural Community Development Branch leads the Economic Development Division's effort to support rural Ontario in building strong, vital communities with diversified economies and healthy social and environmental climates. The branch works collaboratively with rural communities, municipalities, businesses and organizations to undertake economic development initiatives by providing programs, funding and extension.