AGRICULTURE

Stratford is located within Perth County which is a vibrant, rich agricultural community. Perth County is Ontario’s richest agricultural region and is one of the most agriculturally productive counties in all of Ontario. Stratford and Perth County’s agri-food sector generates 1.5 to 2 million dollars a day – more than six of Canada’s ten provinces.

Perth County is a leader in numerous areas of agricultural technology and innovation and is known for mixed farming, dairying and hog production. This region is home to 2,438 census farms and 498,159 acres of farmland. In 2006, farm cash receipts for main commodities totalled $558.5 million. Dairy receipts led the way at $159 million. Pork producers were second highest in farm receipts, with $142.7 million. Stratford is also well served by surrounding food commodity processors and as such is attractive to food processing businesses.

Stratford is surrounded by abundance during the growing season. From Ontario asparagus in the spring, strawberries in July, and sweet local preserves, heritage breads and cheeses all year round, there are too many local food celebrations to mention.

In September we celebrate two of the most unique food festivals in Canada, The STRATFORD GARLIC FESTIVAL, celebrating the pungent glory that is garlic, and SAVOUR STRATFORD PERTH COUNTY CULINARY FESTIVAL, a thrilling celebration of food.

The Province of Ontario is boosting grassroots marketing efforts with buy within 100 km campaigns. This strengthens our the economy by encouraging more residents and businesses to buy locally produced food, including artisan and organic specialty foods that appear in media reports, store shelves and restaurant menus across the region.

Major Field Crops, 2006 Census (hectares)

 Farms by Industry Group, 2006 Census (number of farms)