Ottawa is the largest farming city in Canada and is considered to be 8 percent urban and 92 percent rural. The agriculture economy is characterized by thriving and technologically advanced dairy, beef, pork, poultry and cash-crop sectors. Contributing to the success and diversity of this sector are niche operations that include apiaries, berries, Christmas trees, emus, greenhouse businesses, horse farms, nurseries, organic farms, stable operations, and vegetables amongst others.

The wealth generation from this sector has a significant impact on the Ottawa economy. Ottawa's farms generate more than $150 million annually and employ over 50,000 labourers which support Ottawa's 1,300 farms. The capital value of land and equipment is more than $1 billion.

Additional Resources

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) provides information, research and technology, and policies and programs to achieve an environmentally sustainable, competitive and innovative agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector that proactively manages risk.

Canadian Federation of Agriculture
The CFA was formed in 1935 to answer the need for a unified voice to speak on behalf of Canadian farmers. It continues today as a farmer-funded, national umbrella organization representing provincial general farm organizations and national commodity groups. Through its members, it represents over 200,000 Canadian farm families from coast to coast.

Canada Agriculture Museum
The Canada Agriculture Museum is living proof of the "Green Capital". In fact, Ottawa is the only world Capital that has a working farm at its heart. Canada's unique agricultural heritage is featured at the Canada Agriculture Museum, where you can explore the sights and sounds of typical farm life.