As those aspiring to have their own farm know, agricultural land in Northern Ontario can be less expensive than in other parts of Ontario or the country, often by a very large margin.
In the Niagara region, land can be roughly $25,000 to $35,000+ per acre in many areas, with some Ontario counties exceeding $30,000–$60,000+ per acre depending on soil and location. The 2025 regional average is around $33,700 per acre in Ontario. In contrast, land prices can typically be around $4,000 to $6,000 per acre in Northern Ontario.
The challenge with Northern Ontario is, of course, the clay soil. A new partnership between the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA) and the University of Guelph is helping students study agricultural growth in the Clay Belt region. The experiential learning course will run in July 2026 and is guided by Dr. Sara Epp from the Rural Planning and Development program.
The course allows students to explore how Northern Ontario can expand its agricultural sector. It aligns with government efforts to improve food security, protect farmland, and increase access to Crown land for farming activities.
The Clay Belt is an important farming region located in Northeastern Ontario. It runs along Highway 11 through areas such as Cochrane, Hearst, Kapuskasing, and Timiskaming. The region offers fertile land and strong potential for livestock, crops, dairy, and agri-food businesses.
“This course provides an important opportunity to connect planning students directly with the people, businesses, and communities shaping the future of agriculture in Northern Ontario,” said Emily Seed, Director, Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance. “As the Province looks at opening up Crown land and supporting agricultural growth in the Clay Belt, it is critical that local needs, existing farm operations, and regional infrastructure realities are clearly understood.”
Through this program, students will engage with local farmers, businesses, and agricultural stakeholders. These interactions will help them understand practical challenges such as infrastructure needs, services, and environmental considerations.
The course also connects with current policies, including the Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026. Students will study how these policies impact farming, land use, and rural communities.
Field-based learning is a major focus of the program. Students will visit farms and observe real agricultural operations to gain practical insights. This experience helps them better understand both opportunities and risks linked to farm expansion.
“This partnership reflects the value of experiential learning and applied planning research,” said Sara Epp, Associate Professor, University of Guelph/Rural Planning and Development Program. “Students will have the opportunity to learn directly from northern producers and agri-food stakeholders, while contributing meaningful recommendations to support the future of the region.”
Students will complete a final report that provides recommendations for improving infrastructure, partnerships, and policy support. The goal is to help guide future agricultural development in the Clay Belt.
Want to learn about more learning opportunities like this? Watch for the July print issue of Small Farm Canada, arriving in mailboxesin mid-July. Not subscribed, subscribe here.