Agriculture in Clarington
Clarington’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the local economy, home to nearly 300 working farms showcasing all aspects of the agricultural cycle, from pick-your-own tourism gems and small-batch dairy production to local industry leaders like Algoma Orchards—one of Canada’s premier apple producers. The community’s agricultural landscape is rich and diverse, producing a wide variety of agricultural products, including dairy, eggs, beef, soybeans, grains, apples, and honey. Clarington is well-positioned for growth in this sector with its prime farmland, a supportive and forward-thinking community, and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing food production and sustainability.
The sector is actively embracing innovation—attracting advanced technologies, promoting sustainable farming practices, and strengthening local food networks. These efforts are not only driving economic growth and resilience but also creating fertile ground for investment in agri-tech, food processing, and environmentally responsible farming solutions.
Agricultural workforce
Clarington supports a diverse and evolving workforce engaged in farming, agri-business, and food processing, with a rising demand for skilled professionals—especially as technology reshapes the agricultural landscape. To meet this need, Durham College’s Centre for Food, located at the nearby Whitby campus, offers forward-thinking programs that equip students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to thrive in both traditional and tech-driven agri-food careers.
Between 2020 and 2023, agriculture-related jobs in Clarington grew by 8%, with projections indicating an additional 7% growth by 2028.
This upward trend reflects the sector’s vitality and its increasing integration of innovation and sustainability.
Sector success
Algoma Orchards
Located along Highway 2 between Bowmanville and Newcastle, Algoma Orchards is a leader in agri-business in Clarington. Since opening its current site in 2010, the company has grown significantly, employing over 100 people at a state-of-the-art 285,000-square-foot production facility. Growing on more than 1,600 acres (that’s nearly 1 million apple trees), Algoma Orchards grows, processes, and ships over 1,000,000 bushels of apples annually.
Demonstrating its commitment to innovation, Algoma implemented a closed-loop water recycling system to achieve water self-reliance. This system, developed in partnership with CharTech Solutions, treats and reuses wastewater for various on-site purposes, significantly reducing reliance on well water and minimizing environmental impact. With a commitment to quality and innovation, they remain one of Canada’s top apple producers and a key player in the national food supply chain.
Almet Farms
A fifth-generation family farm, Almet Farms has invested in innovation at its 19,000-square-foot facility in Clarington. Their state-of-the-art chicken barn, built in 2020, is already set for expansion, as the facility is set to produce over 25,000 eggs per day for Ontario. Eggs are graded on-site, shipped to Burnbrae Farms, and are in your local grocery stores within four to seven days. Almet Farms has embraced technology and innovation, paving the way in the local agri-food sector.
Sargent Family Dairy
Investing in legacy and innovation, Sargent Family Dairy is a family-run, on-site dairy processing facility producing Single Farm Reserve bottled milk and a curated selection of artisanal cheeses and curds—all crafted with premium quality and exceptional taste. As one of only a handful of small-batch dairy processors in Ontario, the farm is pioneering innovation in local agri-food production. Their investment in modern, small-scale processing technology ensures that every product reflects the farm’s commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and farm-to-table freshness.
Rekker’s Garden Centre
Rekker’s Garden Centre has been a staple in Clarington since the 1960s. The flagship storefront at Highway 2 and Maple Grove Road offers a glimpse into their vast greenhouse technology and production. With 20+ acres of state-of-the-art greenhouses across two locations, they supply seasonal flowers and ferns to Costco, Canadian Tire, and major grocery stores across southern Ontario.
Growing partnerships
Clarington thrives on strong agricultural partnerships that support local farmers and enhance the agri-food sector. Strong collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Invest Durham’s Agriculture Division, the Clarington Agricultural Advisory Committee, and Durham Farm Fresh is vital to promoting sustainable farming practices, connecting producers with markets, and driving economic growth in the region. These synergies foster innovation, education, and community engagement, ensuring Clarington remains a hub for agricultural excellence.
