Census data shows 3,707 census farms in the GTA in 2006, down 4.2% from 2001 and covering 274,363 ha (677,951 acres). Land area in farms has declined by 4.4 per cent between 2001 and 2006.
In the GTA, the average farm size of 183 acres is no longer increasing and is now well below the still increasing provincial average of 233 acres. Relatively smaller GTA farms reflect a shift in farm types in the GTA. Traditional livestock and cash crop farms that require an extensive land base are in decline. More intensive enterprises are increasing in number in near-urban areas: greenhouse, floriculture, nursery, vegetable, fruit, sheep and goats.
GTA Farms - Basic Census Data 1996 to 2006
In 1998, the Federations of Agriculture in the Regional Municipalities of Halton, Peel, York and Durham joined forces to conduct an Agricultural Economic Impact Study in the Greater Toronto Area. The purpose of the undertaking was:
to identify the benefits that agriculture provides to the urban population of the GTA and the circumstances required to ensure that agriculture has the opportunity to continue to exist in the GTA.
This report identifies the location and nature of agriculture in the GTA, assesses the direct, indirect and induced economic impact of agriculture in the study area subject to some limitations, addresses land availability and discusses the benefits of having a healthy, active agricultural community.The study was updated in 2003.