Kawartha Lakes Agriculture and Food Action Plan Oakwood Session

Growing the Future of Agriculture and Food in Kawartha Lakes

Building on a Strong Agricultural Legacy

Agriculture and food are core to life and the economy in the City of Kawartha Lakes. The municipality contains more than 300,000 acres of farmland and is home to a wide range of agri‑businesses and support services. Because of this breadth, the Lindsay area is recognized as a centre of agri‑business in the region. The City has long supported the sector through an Agriculture Development Officer, an Agricultural Development Advisory Committee and several strategic plans.

In 2019 Council endorsed the Agriculture & Food Action Plan 2020‑2024 to address challenges and stimulate sector growth. A recent review showed that many of its actions were completed or ongoing with next steps.

These accomplishments demonstrate that collaborative efforts can yield tangible benefits. Now, the City is launching a new project to chart the next chapter—creating the Kawartha Lakes Agriculture & Food Action Plan 2026‑2030.

Purpose of the New Plan

​The new Action Plan will guide support for agriculture and food in Kawartha Lakes for the five‑year period from 2026 to 2030. Its purpose is to ensure that the sector remains vibrant, innovative and sustainable by addressing key issues such as business development, value‑added opportunities, workforce needs, supportive policies and climate resiliency. The Plan will align with the City’s Corporate Strategic Plan and Economic Development Strategy and will be developedin‑house by Economic Development Officer - Agriculture, Kelly Maloney, working closely with sector stakeholders, agricultural organizations, municipal staff and related agencies.

This plan will help support our farms, agri-businesses, food businesses, and the many groups that work in agriculture in our community. It will guide our work so we can grow a strong, healthy, and sustainable agriculture and food sector.

2 Public Engagement Sessions December 17 - Bobcaygeon & Oakwood

We want to hear from you. Local farmers, food producers, agri-businesses, food processors, retailers, restaurants, agricultural organizations, and residents all play an important role in shaping this plan. Your ideas will help us understand what is working well and what needs support.
To start the project, we invite you to join one of our in‑person information sessions on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. At these sessions, we will share what we have learned so far and ask for your thoughts on what should be included in the new plan.

Session 1: Bobcaygeon
Location: Bobcaygeon/Verulam Community Centre Hall, 51 Mansfield Street, Bobcaygeon
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Session 2: Oakwood
Location: Oakwood Community Centre, 1010 Eldon Road, Oakwood
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Register for one of the information sessions to have your say.

The Agriculture and Food Action Plan will be built with community input. It will follow the goals of the City’s Strategic Plan and Economic Development Strategy, and it will help guide our work to support the agriculture and food sector for the next five years.

Please join us and help shape the future of agriculture and food in Kawartha Lakes.
Together, we can build a strong, safe, and vibrant community.