Understanding How Greenbelt Agriculture Feeds the Regional Economy

Created with support from the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance, Understanding How Greenbelt Agriculture Feeds the Regional Economy, details agriculture’s economic contribution to the Greenbelt and Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH).

Within the GGH is an important region: the Greenbelt. Ontario’s Greenbelt includes natural spaces and productive farmland that have been protected under the 2005 Greenbelt Plan. This study, conducted by Summit72, builds on an earlier economic analysis and provides evidence that highlights the importance of agriculture to the region’s overall economic health and supports the continued protection of the Greenbelt.

Key Findings:

• In 2020, the Greenbelt’s agri-food sector generated an estimated $4.1 billion in GDP and close to 59,000 jobs.
• Within the Greenbelt alone, farm purchases of goods and services were valued at $900 million in 2017, with over 70 per cent of this economic activity taking place hyper-locally within the GGH. This data indicates that Greenbelt farmers are developing business relationships with not only local farm input providers, but also other professional business support services such as accountants, lawyers, and financial institutions.

A strong agriculture sector presents opportunities for growth in other areas of the economy— contributing to business diversity and a more resilient overall economic environment. As a result of agricultural activity, economic benefits ripple through the economy and have a positive effect on people and businesses beyond the boundaries of the Greenbelt.