Small-scale farms in the Kenora District of Northwestern Ontario are helping to strengthen local food systems, create rural jobs, and boost Ontario’s economy. From direct-to-consumer sales and CSA programs to renewable energy and women-led operations, agriculture in Northern Ontario is growing with resilience and purpose.
While the Kenora District of Northwestern Ontario is widely recognized for its lakes and boreal wilderness, a quieter story is unfolding in its fields and pastures: agriculture is becoming a powerful economic and community driver in the region. According to data from Census Canada and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), 54 active farms span over 17,700 acres, offering not only food but economic stability, innovation, and local leadership.
Small-Scale Farms, Big Regional Impact
Kenora District farms are mostly small in scale—88.9% earn under $100,000 annually. Despite that, they are essential to the rural economy. The region’s agri-food sector supported 2,515 jobs in 2021 through 246 active business establishments, showing how even small farms create big ripple effects throughout Northwestern Ontario.
Building Local Food Systems in Northwestern Ontario
Local food production and direct sales are central to Kenora’s farm economy:
- 41% of farms sell products directly to consumers
- 15 farms operate on-site stands or offer pick-your-own produce
- 4 farms participate in farmers’ markets
- 4 farms run Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs
These models reduce food transportation costs, keep dollars in the community, and build stronger food systems in northern and remote areas.
Women and Renewable Energy Leading the Way
A growing number of women are shaping the future of farming in the north—21.4% of Kenora farm operators are female, pointing toward greater gender equity in agriculture. In addition, 14.8% of farms generate renewable energy through solar, wind, or bioenergy systems—demonstrating climate-forward practices in a northern context.
Local Production, Provincial Contribution
Kenora’s farms generated $4 million in farm cash receipts in 2021, primarily from cattle, potatoes, and sheep and lambs. These earnings supported:
- $8 million in Ontario’s GDP
- 115 jobs across the provincial agri-food supply chain
This data, sourced from Census Canada and the OFA’s 2021 Local Agricultural Profiles, underscores how Kenora’s farm sector benefits not only the district, but the province as a whole.
Growing Resilience in the North
Agriculture in Northwestern Ontario often flies under the radar, but the data is clear: farming in the Kenora District supports livelihoods, strengthens local economies, builds food security, and fosters sustainability. In an era of climate and supply chain uncertainty, these small farms offer a resilient model for rural communities across Canada.
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