April 28, 2025
“We will always be on the side of our agri-food industry and farmers”
Canada is in the spotlight at the show this year as the official Country of Honour, and Ontario is doubly so as SIAL Canada 2025 takes place in the province’s capital, Toronto
SIAL Canada Daily spoke with Ontario’s new Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, the Hon. Trevor Jones, about the government’s strategies, priorities for the sector, and the importance of SIAL Canada for the industry as a whole.
Can you tell us a little bit about the main priorities of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness today?
Our government is focused on delivering our plan to protect Ontario’s workers, families, and businesses, including our $51 billion agri-food industry.
We will do whatever it takes to unleash Ontario’s economic potential while providing direct support where it is needed most.
Our government has increased our Risk Management Program (RMP) by $100 million to $250 million to ensure farmers have the support and certainty they need throughout economic uncertainty and chaos, and we are taking steps to champion Ontario and Canadian manufacturers while breaking down interprovincial trade barriers.
As Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, I will continue to work closely with our primary producers and processors to build on the progress our government has achieved. We will leverage strategic investments in technology and innovation to ensure Ontario remains an agricultural leader for generations to come.
Since 2018, agri-food GDP has grown by almost $3 billion to $51 billion, nearly 30,000 new jobs have been created across the industry, and exports have grown by 65% to $26.2 billion.
How does the Ministry help build a stronger agri-food sector?
Our government is continuing to create the right conditions for the industry to grow by keeping costs low and cutting red tape. We have invested in productivity enhancements, promoted Buy Local, and have worked to connect our exporters to overseas markets.
We know that this approach works. Since 2018, agri-food GDP has grown by almost $3 billion to $51 billion, nearly 30,000 new jobs have been created across the industry, and exports have grown by 65% to $26.2 billion.
How does Ontario work with the other Canadian provinces and territories to contribute to a thriving agri-food sector across the country?
Our government has consistently sought opportunities to take a true ‘Team Canada’ approach and collaborate across government.
Through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, we have invested $569 million into Ontario’s agri-food industry. Already, this program has supported over 1,500 Ontario agribusinesses with investments in their productivity, food safety, environmental resilience, and competitiveness.
Our government is also taking action to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, which was a key part of our plan endorsed by the people of Ontario. On April 16, our government introduced the “Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act” that, if passed, will make Ontario a national leader when it comes to trade between provinces and territories, creating new markets and opportunities for Ontario workers and goods.
This works hand in hand with the Interprovincial Trade Opportunities Project with Meat and Poultry Ontario, which identifies and prepares businesses for interprovincial meat trade. It includes delivering assessments and practical tools and resources to help businesses get ready for the transition.
Our government will always work closely with our provincial and federal counterparts and stakeholders to ensure consumer trust in our food safety systems and protect farmers, agri-food industries, and agribusinesses.
What sets Ontario’s agri-food offer apart? What are some of the key exports?
Ontario is an agricultural powerhouse and is number one in Canada for agri-food output and exports, with exports increasing by 65% since 2018 to $26.2 billion. Some of our key agri-food exports in 2023 included baked goods ($4.1 billion), soybeans ($946.3 million), and wheat and meslin ($748.7 million).
Along with our highly desirable food products, we have the resources, the people, the expertise, and the infrastructure to deliver what trading partners need. Our province’s extensive transportation network provides many means for products to reach their destinations, from rail to waterways.
‘Ontario grown’ is a standard of excellence that people around the world recognize, and our government will continue to champion our agri-food sector.
Do you have a message for the industry?
We will always be on the side of our agri-food industry and farmers. We will protect the industry and our farmers, no matter what comes our way. During times of uncertainty, it is important to remember that challenges present powerful opportunities. We have come together to successfully overcome problems in the past, and we will do the same now.
More than ever, people are thinking about how they can increase their efficiencies, diversify their markets, and leverage research and innovation to their benefit. I find that immensely encouraging, as should everyone.
Ontario is open for business at SIAL Canada 2025
When asked about the importance of SIAL Canada for Ontario, the minister didn’t hold back: “SIAL Canada provides an unparalleled opportunity for Ontario agri-food businesses to connect with buyers worldwide.” He cited that last year at the show in Montreal, 28 Ontario companies participated in over 72 B2B meetings and were able to interact with international buyers from the USA, Panama, Mexico, Singapore and Columbia.
When it comes to Ontario’s goals at the show this year, the Hon. Trevor Jones underlined that “Ontario’s food producers deliver safe, nutritious, and flavourful food that is revered and sought after internationally.” He added that “through SIAL Canada, I hope more of our incredible farmers and agri-food businesses can forge connections with buyers and grow their businesses.”
The minister encouraged all SIAL Canada attendees to visit the Ontario pavilion this year in order to “see the delicious, fresh, and safe food products made in our beautiful province. We are open for business, and eager to explore new opportunities.”