Farming in Ontario’s Greenbelt: Possibility Grows Here
Ontario’s Greenbelt is one of the world’s largest permanently protected agricultural landscapes, yet protecting farmland alone does not guarantee the future of farming. This research explored how planning policy, environmental stewardship, and agricultural viability can work together to ensure the Greenbelt remains a vibrant, working agricultural landscape.

Undertaken for the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, the project examined the opportunities and challenges facing farmers operating within Ontario’s rapidly urbanizing region. Through extensive consultation and policy analysis, the research developed practical recommendations to strengthen farm businesses, improve policy coordination, encourage local food systems, and recognize agriculture as an essential contributor to environmental sustainability, rural economies, and the quality of life enjoyed by millions of Ontarians.

More than a decade later, many of the issues identified in this study—including supporting farm viability, reducing regulatory complexity, and viewing farmers as partners in landscape stewardship—remain central to discussions about the future of Ontario’s Greenbelt and agricultural policy.