Making updates to the Holland Marsh Canal, a crucial part of the soil and drainage quality
Running astride the Holland River, a little more than 40 km north of downtown Toronto, the Holland Marsh has been used to grow vegetables, utilizing canals for irrigational purposes created by King’s first Dutch settlers. Declining from the approximate total of 350 farms in the late 1970s, many small original farms in the area have now amalgamated into larger operations as farmers today require 40 to 100 acres to be profitable. Growing enough carrots alone to provide every Canadian with four pounds each year, the Marsh plays a large role in Canada’s food export market and serves a substantial local market in the neighbouring GTA.
- The annual value of carrots grown in the Holland Marsh today is estimated at $130 million.
- The annual value with onions is estimated at $160 million.
- Greens such as celery and lettuce make an estimated Provincial impact of $160 million.
- About 90 percent of all Asian vegetables consumed in Ontario are grown in the Holland Marsh.
- Tomatoes, cucumbers and ornamental flowers are also grown inside 18 acres of year-round greenhouses.
- Marsh farmers also generate millions of dollars in local revenue and create employment for local agricultural processors and packagers.
- Growers estimate the Marsh has a total economic impact of more than $1 billion annually, including farm-gate value, packaging, processing and transportation.
Not to be discounted as a lesser industry, the prevalence of livestock farming is another strong indicator of King’s powerful agricultural portfolio. King Township has been known as a location producing some world-class, prized cattle and dairy operations, testament to the robust livestock segment of the agricultural sector. The evidence of the economic impact of a strong agricultural sector is evident throughout the communities of King Township. Very successful supplementary businesses can be found scattered throughout the township, such as Green Tractors John Deere Dealership, and the Nobleton Feed Mill.
OMAFRA and Ontario Economic Development statistics point towards food and agriculture being one of the fastest growing sectors in the Canadian Economy. This factor makes King Township a very attractive location for domestic and foreign direct investment in real estate, agricultural operations, and supplementary industries. With the recent trend of domestically grown Asian vegetables capitalizing on the mucky soils, foreign investors are seeing more and more value in investment within the township. Creative entrepreneurs have popped up with massive success throughout the industry, capitalizing on the needs for drainage, irrigation, fertilizer, transportation, and other supplementary services.
With its easy access to global markets and ingredients, competitive costs, and innovative research climate. Ontario has emerged as an efficient North American hub for global business.
Top 3 Reasons To Build Your Food Business in Ontario
- Easy access to major markets. You have access to more than 450 million North American consumers when Ontario is your base. The province’s highly efficient transportation infrastructure makes delivering products from factory to market quick and convenient.
- Easy access to ingredients. More than 200 agricultural commodities are grown on Ontario’s farms, many which are processed within the province.
- Competitive and stable marketplace. Ontario has a top-ranked business climate with low energy prices, streamlined regulations and a low-risk investment climate.
