Formed 1994 Minister responsible Jeff Leal Founded 1994 | Jurisdiction Government of Ontario Headquarters Guelph | |
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Website www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/index.html Profiles | ||
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is an Ontario government ministry responsible for the food, agriculture and rural sectors of the Canadian province of Ontario. The Minister is currently Jeff Leal.
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The Ministry helps to build a stronger agri-food sector by investing in the development and transfer of innovative technologies, retaining and attracting investment, developing markets, providing regulatory oversight, and providing effective risk management tools.
Ministry mandate
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs works to advance government efforts to promote a competitive and productive agri-food sector and to provide economic growth and opportunities in rural Ontario. The mandate of the Ministry is set by the Premier of Ontario and conveyed to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs through a mandate letter. The mandate letter for 2014-2015 contains the following priorities:
Foodland Ontario
Foodland Ontario, founded in 1977, is a consumer promotion program for the governmentof Ontario. Foodland Ontario currently falls under the administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs in Ontario. Through market research, advertising campaigns, working with local farmers and reaching out to retail locations, Foodland Ontario's mission is to "spread the word about the great taste, nutrition and economic benefits of buying Ontario food to all people in Ontario".
According to the Ministry, Foodland Ontario commercials such as the "Good things grow in Ontario" campaign reach more than 90% of the target audience including television, radio, billboard and print media campaigns. Food retailers such as grocery stores and farmer's markets display the logo to promote Ontario foods and capture niche markets for products such as health food. In 2011-12, over 700,000 copies of Foodland calendars and 250,000 copies of two Foodland cookbooks were distributed across the province.
Ministry agencies
The Ministry is responsible for the following agencies:
Organization history
The organization's name and function has changed over the years. Initially created in 1868 as the Department of the Commissioner of Agriculture and Public Works, it was renamed as the Department of the Commissioner of Agriculture and Arts in 1877. Agricultural administration was done by the Board of Agriculture and the Bureau of Agriculture. The Commissioners from 1867 to 1888 were:
In 1888, the Bureau was reorganized as a Department with Cabinet rank, and subsequently headed by the following Ministers over time: