AGRICULTURE

Agriculture in Quinte West commenced around the beginning of the 19th Century. Immigrants came mainly from Europe and the American colonies to what was then called Upper Canada or Canada West. Many were Loyalists who were forced to leave the colonies to the south and were given land in return for their loyalty and service to the Crown of England during the American War of Independence.

These Loyalist settlers cleared their land holdings, produced food and supported large families which in turn were essential for the labor involved in clearing and developing farms. Lumbering was also an important occupation and from these two industries the present-day development emerged.

Agricultural production includes cereal , forage, corn and oil crops, fruits and vegetables, livestock (dairy and beef) and wood lot products including maple syrup. Related activities include equestrian stables, garden centres, bed-breakfast accommodations, roadside markets, recreation opportunities and tourist attractions.

Agriculture also supports a multimillion dollar supply and service (agribusiness) industry in Quinte West. Grain cleaning and storage, milk processing and distribution, agricultural chemical sales and application, feed processing and sales, machine repair and sales, accounting and crop advisory consulting are among the services provided.

The agricultural industry is not only one of the most productive, it is the most stable and reliable component of the municipality. It contributes much to the quality of life for which the region is noted.

In November, 2004 the City of Quinte West Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) recommended to Council to establish a new Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC). Please click here to visit the Agricultural Advisory Committee page of our website.