Summary

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs serves the needs of Ontarians, Canadians, and the world by supporting and helping build an agri-food system and rural communities that are sustainable, resilient, trusted, innovative and thriving, while complementing these efforts through a One Health approach. Ministry programs are focused on food safety, plant and animal health, sector resiliency, environmental stewardship, research, agri-food sector labour support, sector and rural development and economic growth, diversity, equity and inclusion, and support for the supply chain and domestic marketing. These activities and programs strengthen Ontario, its places and its people in rural and urban communities, support and create good jobs, attract investment, keep food, plants, and animals safe, sustain natural assets and contribute to Ontario's overall well-being and economic growth.

Ministry Program Summary

Vote Program

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
Between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
101 Ministry Administration Program 22,492,100 22,462,900 29,200 21,034,741
107 Better Public Health and Environment 93,900,200 95,342,300 (1,442,100) 77,875,777
108 Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities 507,825,300 483,056,800 24,768,500 496,705,519
109 Policy Development 16,523,200 16,247,300 275,900 14,279,352
  Total operating expense to be voted 640,740,800 617,109,300 23,631,500 609,895,389
  Statutory appropriations 1,097,187 1,097,187 - 398,303
  Ministry total operating expense 641,837,987 618,206,487 23,631,500 610,293,692
  Consolidation Adjustment - Agricorp 202,959,300 197,121,200 5,838,100 213,097,713
  Consolidation Adjustment - Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) 4,947,000 5,470,000 (523,000) 5,380,904
  Consolidation Adjustment - Colleges - - - (394,330)
  Consolidation Adjustment - General Real Estate Portfolio (4,474,400) (4,654,900) 180,500 (3,118,067)
  Total including consolidation & other adjustments 845,269,887 816,142,787 29,127,100 825,259,912

Operating assets
107 Better Public Health and Environment 5,000,000 5,000,000 - 1,390,400
  Total operating assets to be voted 5,000,000 5,000,000 - 1,390,400
  Ministry total operating assets 5,000,000 5,000,000 - 1,390,400

Capital expense
107 Better Public Health and Environment 1,000 1,000 - -
108 Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities 9,500,000 5,000,000 4,500,000 7,500,000
  Total capital expense to be voted 9,501,000 5,001,000 4,500,000 7,500,000
  Statutory appropriations 1,000 1,000 - -
  Ministry total capital expense 9,502,000 5,002,000 4,500,000 7,500,000
  Consolidation adjustment - Agricorp 1,613,400 2,082,200 (468,800) 2,830,771
  Consolidation adjustment - Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) (676,100) (825,400) 149,300 (3,677,130)
  Total Including consolidation & other adjustments 10,439,300 6,258,800 4,180,500 6,653,641

Capital assets
107 Better Public Health and Environment 2,500,000 1,750,000 750,000 -
  Total capital assets to be voted 2,500,000 1,750,000 750,000 -
  Ministry total capital assets 2,500,000 1,750,000 750,000 -
  Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) 855,709,187 822,401,587 33,307,600 831,913,553

Reconciliation to previously published data

Operating expense

Estimates
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $
Total operating expense previously published footnote 1 618,206,487 610,859,892
Government reorganization    
Transfer of functions to other ministries - (566,200)
Restated Total Operating Expense 618,206,487 610,293,692

Ministry Administration Program - Vote 101

The Administration Program provides strategic management leadership and advice, legal counsel, communications, and administrative services in support of ministry and government priorities.

Vote Summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
Between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
1 Ministry administration 22,492,100 22,462,900 29,200 21,034,741
  Total operating expense to be voted 22,492,100 22,462,900 29,200 21,034,741
S Minister's salary, the Executive Council Act 47,841 47,841 - 49,301
S Parliamentary assistants' salaries, the Executive Council Act 32,346 32,346 - 33,334
  Total statutory appropriations 80,187 80,187 - 82,635
  Total operating expense 22,572,287 22,543,087 29,200 21,117,376

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount $ Amount $

Operating expense
101-1 Ministry administration    
 

Salaries and wages

   13,242,200
 

Employee benefits

   2,342,900
 

Transportation and communication

   636,000
 

Services

   5,518,500
 

Supplies and equipment

   752,500
  Total operating expense to be voted   22,492,100
  Sub-items:    
  Main office    
 

Salaries and wages

 2,471,600  
 

Employee benefits

 328,400  
 

Transportation and communication

 143,600  
 

Services

 153,900  
 

Supplies and equipment

 270,700 3,368,200
  Business services    
 

Salaries and wages

 3,311,000  
 

Employee benefits

 485,600  
 

Transportation and communication

 235,200  
 

Services

 1,300,700  
 

Supplies and equipment

 190,800 5,523,300
  Business Planning and Financial Services    
 

Salaries and wages

 2,691,200  
 

Employee benefits

 419,000  
 

Transportation and communication

 48,200  
 

Services

 335,400  
 

Supplies and equipment

 25,600 3,519,400
  Human Resources    
 

Salaries and wages

 1,670,700  
 

Employee benefits

 656,700  
 

Transportation and communication

 52,300  
 

Services

 92,700  
 

Supplies and equipment

 92,300 2,564,700
  Communications Services    
 

Salaries and wages

 3,097,700  
 

Employee benefits

 453,200  
 

Transportation and communication

 136,700  
 

Services

 575,400  
 

Supplies and equipment

 163,100 4,426,100
  Legal Services    
 

Transportation and communication

 20,000  
 

Services

 3,060,400  
 

Supplies and equipment

 10,000 3,090,400
  Total operating expense to be voted   22,492,100
  Statutory Appropriations    
Statutory

Minister's Salary, the Executive Council Act

   47,841
Statutory

Parliamentary Assistants' Salaries, the Executive Council Act

   32,346
  Total Operating Expense for Ministry Administration Program   22,572,287

Better Public Health and Environment - Vote 107

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs uses a full suite of tools and a One Health approach to manage risks, protect the public interest and encourage industry adoption of best practices. This includes legislative and regulatory functions relating to food safety, animal health, nutrient management and drainage, and non-regulatory programs in food safety, animal health and welfare, and the environment.

Vote Summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
Between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
1 Better Public Health and Environment 93,900,200 95,342,300 (1,442,100) 77,875,777
  Total operating expense to be voted 93,900,200 95,342,300 (1,442,100) 77,875,777
S Bad Debt Expense, the Financial Administration Act 10,000 10,000 - 12,495
  Total statutory appropriations 10,000 10,000 - 12,495
  Total operating expense 93,910,200 95,352,300 (1,442,100) 77,888,272

Operating assets
2 Better Public Health and Environment 5,000,000 5,000,000 - 1,390,400
  Total operating assets to be voted 5,000,000 5,000,000 - 1,390,400
  Total operating assets 5,000,000 5,000,000 - 1,390,400

Capital expense
4 Better Public Health and Environment 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted 1,000 1,000 - -
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total statutory appropriations 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total capital expense 2,000 2,000 - -

Capital assets
3 Better Public Health and Environment 2,500,000 1,750,000 750,000 -
  Total Capital assets to be Voted 2,500,000 1,750,000 750,000 -
  Total capital assets 2,500,000 1,750,000 750,000 -

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
Item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount $ Amount $

Operating expense
107-1 Better Public Health and Environment    
 

Salaries and wages

   37,470,300
 

Employee benefits

   5,057,000
 

Transportation and communication

   1,772,300
 

Services

   13,502,400
 

Supplies and equipment

   851,200
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Program

 9,667,000  
 

Animal Health Compensation Program

 1,000  
 

Canadian Ag Partnership-Federal-Public Health and Env

 20,171,500  
 

Canadian Ag Partnership-Provincial-Public Health and Env

 4,778,500  
 

Grassroots Growth Program

 1,099,000  
 

Great Lakes Canada - Ontario agreement

 850,000  
 

Lake Simcoe Agri-Environmental Partnerships

 920,000 37,487,000
  Subtotal   96,140,200
  Less: recoveries   2,240,000
  Total operating expense to be voted   93,900,200
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Bad Debt Expense, the Financial Administration Act

   10,000
  Total operating expense for Better Public Health and Environment   93,910,200

Operating assets
107-2 Better Public Health and Environment    
 

Loans and investments

    
 

Tile Drainage Debentures, the Tile Drainage Act

 4,800,000  
 

Tile Drainage Loans in Unorganized Territories

 200,000 5,000,000
  Total operating assets to be voted   5,000,000
  Total operating assets for Better Public Health and Environment   5,000,000

Capital expense
107-4 Better Public Health and Environment    
 

Other transactions

   1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted   1,000
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Amortization, the Financial Administration Act

   1,000
  Total capital expense for Better Public Health and Environment   2,000

Capital assets
107-3 Better Public Health and Environment    
 

Business application software - asset costs

   2,500,000
  Total capital assets to be voted   2,500,000
  Total capital assets for Better Public Health and Environment   2,500,000

Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities - Vote 108

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs supports the province's rural communities and agri-food industry by investing in agri-food and bio-product research; confirming research priorities; developing and promoting the adoption of sustainable best management practices and new technologies and innovations; monitoring animal and plant health, including pest and disease mitigation; delivering sector support and assistance programs, including farm income stabilization; monitoring supply chains; supporting investment in the rural, food and beverage sectors; and promoting the Ontario agri-food industry in domestic and export markets. The ministry is committed to building strong and vibrant rural communities and regions with diversified economies.

Vote Summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
Between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
1 Economic Development 145,255,100 120,645,600 24,609,500 128,221,728
3 Research 89,626,700 89,467,700 159,000 82,078,210
4 Business Risk Management Transfers 272,943,500 272,943,500 - 286,405,581
  Total operating expense to be voted 507,825,300 483,056,800 24,768,500 496,705,519
S Payments: re: Guaranteed Bank Loans, the Financial Administration Act 1,000 1,000 - -
S Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act 5,000 5,000 - 78,118
S Payments: re: Guaranteed Bank Loans, the Financial Administration Act 1,000 1,000 - -
S Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act 1,000,000 1,000,000 - 225,055
  Total statutory appropriations 1,007,000 1,007,000 - 303,173
  Total operating expense 508,832,300 484,063,800 24,768,500 497,008,692

Capital expense
7 Agriculture and Rural Affairs Capital 9,500,000 5,000,000 4,500,000 7,500,000
  Total capital expense to be voted 9,500,000 5,000,000 4,500,000 7,500,000
  Total capital expense 9,500,000 5,000,000 4,500,000 7,500,000

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
Item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount $ Amount $

Operating expense
108-1 Economic Development    
 

Salaries and wages

   23,733,300
 

Employee benefits

   3,256,300
 

Transportation and communication

   1,035,200
 

Services

   5,256,000
 

Supplies and equipment

   485,100
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Agri-Food Processing Fund

 8,600,000  
 

Canadian Ag Partnership-Federal-Economic Development

 18,242,800  
 

Grassroots Growth Program

 4,749,400  
 

Ontario Wine Fund

 68,500,000  
 

Rural Economic Development Program

 5,000,000  
 

Small Cidery and Small Distillery Support Program

 6,396,000  
 

Veterinary Incentive Program

 1,000 111,489,200
  Total operating expense to be voted   145,255,100
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Payments: re: Guaranteed Bank Loans, the Financial Administration Act

   1,000
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Bad Debt Expense, the Financial Administration Act

   5,000
108-3 Research    
 

Salaries and wages

   2,486,600
 

Employee benefits

   311,500
 

Transportation and communication

   176,700
 

Services

   332,500
 

Supplies and equipment

   90,000
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Canadian Ag Partnership-Federal-Research

 12,903,400  
 

Food Safety Research

 680,000  
 

Grants in Lieu of Taxes

 1,000,000  
 

University of Guelph

 71,646,000 86,229,400
  Total Operating Expense to be Voted   89,626,700
108-4 Business Risk Management Transfers    
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Agricorp

 12,758,000  
 

AgriInsurance

 41,500,000  
 

AgriInvest

 21,100,000  
 

AgriRecovery

 1,000  
 

AgriRisk Federal

 1,000  
 

AgriRisk Provincial

 1,000  
 

AgriStability

 45,469,500  
 

Financial Protection Programs and Loan Guarantees

 55,000  
 

Ontario Risk Management Program

 150,000,000  
 

Wildlife Damage Compensation - Federal

 1,058,000  
 

Wildlife Damage Compensation - Provincial

 1,000,000 272,943,500
  Total operating expense to be voted   272,943,500
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Payments: re: Guaranteed Bank Loans, the Financial Administration Act

   1,000
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Bad Debt Expense, the Financial Administration Act

   1,000,000
  Total operating expense for Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities   508,832,300

Capital expense
108-7 Agriculture and Rural Affairs Capital    
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Agri-Food and Animal Health Laboratory Infrastructure

 500,000  
 

Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

 4,500,000  
 

Research Infrastructure Maintenance and Repairs

 4,500,000 9,500,000
  Total capital expense to be voted   9,500,000
  Total capital expense for Strong Agriculture, Food and Bio-product Sectors and Strong Rural Communities   9,500,000

Policy Development - Vote 109

The Policy Division is responsible for leading and coordinating the development of innovative, evidence-based policy analysis and advice in support of ministry and government priorities. The division does this in support of the overall ministry objective of helping build a sustainable, resilient, trusted and thriving agri-food system and rural communities that innovate and drive economic growth, complemented by a One Health approach. The division also oversees administration and delivery of farm business risk management programs and the management of the ministry’s strategic partnership with Agricorp.

Vote Summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
Between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
1 Policy Development 16,523,200 16,247,300 275,900 14,279,352
  Total Operating Expense to be Voted 16,523,200 16,247,300 275,900 14,279,352
  Total Operating Expense 16,523,200 16,247,300 275,900 14,279,352

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount $

Operating expense
109-1 Policy Development  
 

Salaries and wages

 12,443,500
 

Employee benefits

 1,586,500
 

Transportation and communication

 554,400
 

Services

 1,788,500
 

Supplies and equipment

 150,300
  Total operating expense to be voted 16,523,200
  Total operating expense for policy development 16,523,200