Ontario’s Food Independence Bill Advances Toward Final Legislative Approval

Ontario’s Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026 advanced through the provincial legislature on November 2. Bill 109 was reported without amendment, its committee report was adopted, and it was ordered for third reading.

The proposed legislation includes a new Farmland Security Act that would establish restrictions on agricultural land acquisitions by designated foreign individuals and entities, subject to regulatory definitions and exemptions. It also proposes amendments affecting beef cattle marketing, dairy regulation, food safety oversight, veterinary services and protections for agricultural producers.

For Ontario farmers and agribusinesses, the legislation could influence farmland transactions, regulatory administration and certain aspects of agricultural business operations.

The bill had not become law on November 2. Further legislative approval and implementation steps are required, and several provisions would take effect only through subsequent orders or regulations.