Local Food and Agriculture

Agriculture in Vaughan

Yes! There is Agriculture in Vaughan. A York Region 2016 Census Release Report on agriculture revealed that there was 3,069 hectares of farmland (including prime agriculture) in Vaughan and 57,702 total hectares in all of York Region.

Not only is agricultural land an important natural resource, it also contributes to our local economy by providing jobs for many. In 2016, agricultural lands in Vaughan contributed to:

• $26,171,283 in gross revenue from farm businesses, an increase of 7% from 2011
• 10% of all employment from the agri-food sector (What is the agri-food sector? All components of agriculture, including suppliers, producers, processors, retailers and all levels of government)

$250 million in Gross Domestic Product was generated in agriculture sales, 3,578 jobs and $133 million in wages and salaries in York Region!

These are important reasons to protect our agricultural lands. A Place to Grow - Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2019 outlines policies that support and enhance the long-term viability and productivity of agriculture. The Growth Plan identifies an Agricultural System to be protected in the long-term and encourages municipalities to implement food strategies and provide opportunities to support access to healthy, local and affordable food; urban agriculture, and agri-food/product businesses.

Fun fact: In 2016, there were 700 farms in York Region and 51 of those farms (7%) reported using solar panels or wind turbines to generate renewable energy!

Making a Difference

So, what is Vaughan doing to support the agri-food network? The City is committed to support the agri-food network by:

1. Stewardship: develop urban agriculture programming with a vision based on nature, food, agriculture, heritage, tourism and education.
2. Development: promote urban agriculture through the Sustainability Performance Metrics Program.
3. Education: support local food initiatives through education events at local venues to our residents (see below for a list of workshops and events).
4. Inventory: identify and map the agri-food assets in the City.
5. Transformation: create naturalized spaces on City-owned property such as community gardens and pollinator habitats.

Local Food & Healthy Eating

Food is vital – it nourishes us, supports active lifestyles and brings people together – and when we buy local food, we help to create vibrant, resilient communities.

Local is better! When you buy local, you:

• Contribute to economic viability - support local economic growth by supporting local farmers and businesses
• Eat healthier – buying closer to home means the food is fresher
• Become a community steward – build a sense of social responsibility
• Reduce carbon footprint - food comes from a farm close to home which reduces transportation distances

Tips for buying local:

• Visit local farms and farmer’s markets. Visit York Farm Fresh for locations across York Region or download the York Farm Fresh Map. Also visit Greenbelt fresh or Ontario fresh to locate fresh and local food in Ontario.
• Look for the Foodland Ontario logo when shopping at grocery stores;
• Plant your own backyard garden or volunteer for a City community garden

View the City's local food postcard as a quck reference for tips about buying local food and information about agriculture in Vaughan.

Meet the 2022 Farm Fresh Vaughan farms!
 

Robintide Farms, 2720 King-Vaughan Road. Robintide Farms has been a family farm in Vaughan for more than 50 years, with farm activities including beef cattle, mixed crops, breeding, raising and training quarter horses and raising milk goats and Boer goats. Over recent years, Robintide Farms has been growing and now offers local farm-fresh pick-your-own and picked-for-you strawberries, vegetables, flowers and more each spring and summer, as well as pick-your-own pumpkins in the fall. Visit robintidefarms.com for more information on hours of operation.

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Sandy’s Farm and Garden Centre, 4283 King-Vaughan Road. The family-run farmers market and garden centre first opened its doors in 1978 and ever since the family has been dedicated to providing the highest quality, locally grown produce at the best possible price to the public. Visit sandysfarm.ca for more information on hours of operation.

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Campagna Farms, 12110 Jane Street. Campagna Farms Inc is a new yet fast-growing family farm in the heart of Vaughan, specializing in farm fresh vegetables and eggs, while also supporting other local farmers by selling Ontario fruits and other products including, pies, baked goods, locally sourced honey, and more. Open Monday to Friday, 8;00am – 6:00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00am-5:00pm.

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Resources

• Five types of gardens - Urban Growers*
• How to grow edible perennial plants
• How to start a food sharing club
• How to freeze fruits and vegetables
• Five Ways to end food waste
• Safe Home Canning 101 - video
• Gardening Misconceptions - Urban Growers*
• Edible Plants - Urban Growers*

*The Urban Growers are a group of four university students passionate about the environment and their communities. Visit the Urban Growers webpage to learn more.

The Provincial Plan Areas

Greenbelt Area

Ontario’s Greenbelt lands encompass protected natural heritage areas and productive agricultural lands (farmland). The Greenbelt Area covers more than 2 million acres of land – bigger than the Province of Prince Edward Island!

The Greenbelt is worth protecting! It provides:

• Habitat to 78 Species at Risk including wildlife, flora and fauna clean drinking water by protecting 108,629 hectares of small lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams that feed into the Great Lakes
• Employment and income to 5,500 farms
• 10,000 km of trails for everyone to enjoy
• Forests that create cleaner air as it stores enough carbon to offset the emissions from 27 million cars in 1 year

Explore the Greenbelt to find fresh and local food!

Oak Ridges Moraine Area

The Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) covers 190,203 hectares of natural heritage areas in Ontario. The ORM is known for abundant aquifers that provide clean, cool water to many streams. The ORM protects clean and abundant water resources; healthy and diverse plant and animal habitat; and productive agricultural areas.

Did you know?

• 15% of Vaughan is Greenbelt area (4,109 hectares)
• 11.4% of Vaughan is Oak Ridges Moraine (3,135 hectares)
  • 2.5% ORM Natural Core
  • 2.9% ORM Natural Linkage
  • 1.0% ORM Countryside
  • 5.0% ORM Settlement Area

View this map to find out where the Provincial Plan Areas are in Vaughan and determine how close you live to one of Vaughan's community gardens!