Lee Fairclough Releases “Grow it here, process it here and buy it here” Agricultural Strategy

For Immediate Release

TORONTO, Oct. 8, 2026 — Ontario Liberal leadership candidate and Etobicoke—Lakeshore MPP Lee Fairclough released new policy planks in support of her vision for a strong, united Ontario Liberal Party and better future for Ontario. Fairclough’s agricultural policy proposes concrete measures to ensure farming and food are central to the province’s economic growth and standard of living.

“A serious government must treat agriculture as an economic engine, and foundation of strong and food-secure communities,” said Fairclough. “As Liberal Party leader and Premier, rural Ontario will no longer be an afterthought. Farming will be front and centre in policy-making across government from economic development, to affordability, to the environment.”

Reflecting input from rural communities in every region and from leaders across agricultural sectors, Fairclough is proposing eight priorities as part of a “grow it here, process it here and buy it here” Agricultural Strategy.

1. Keep farmers farming – Strengthen investment in the Risk Management Program (RMP) to counter current international market turmoil, and in agricultural research and innovation to tackle risks from climate and weather, to biosecurity, to trade. Build strong partnerships to support intergenerational transfers and pathways for new entrants.
2. Protect farmland – Require meaningful agricultural impact analysis before major land conversions, settlement boundary expansions or infrastructure projects. Explore preservation tools to keep land in potential food production and to preserve wetlands and other ecosystems.
3. Grow it here, process it here, buy it here – Invest in regional and medium-scale abattoirs, help provincially licensed plants reach new markets, reduce duplication and support worker training. Capitalize on partnerships to expand the Ontario Food Terminal, and create new regional food hubs. Support Ontario organizations to buy Ontario food.
4. Respect supply management and strengthen each sector on its own terms – Ontario should defend supply management in trade negotiations, ensure non-supply managed sectors are supported, and ensure balance between sectors competing for land.
5. Solve the veterinary access problems – Expand veterinary rural and large-animal placements and team-based veterinary services, and help keep veterinarians in rural communities.
6. Invest in soil, water, climate resilience and practical stewardship – Build strong partnerships with farmers on environmental stewardship and invest in soil health, conservation, and research and infrastructure to combat the effects of climate change.
7. Modernize regulation without weakening health, safety or public trust – Review agricultural red tape with farmers and processors at the table. Regulatory modernization must mean timely, predictable, science-based rules.
8. Build public trust, food literacy and respect for farmers – Champion a comprehensive strategy to strengthen connections between rural and urban Ontario.

For more details on the agricultural policy, visit leefairclough.ca/policy/agriculture.

Media Contact: media@leefairclough.ca