Hastings & Prince Edward Farms For Sale

There is a solid agricultural history throughout the region, as Hastings County was previously a prominent center for cheese production. Geographically, Hastings is the second-largest county in Ontario. There are 974 farms in the area, primarily beef and small livestock, and some fruit and vegetable producers and small-scale farms. Additionally, farms have been successfully adapting by adding corn, dairy, poultry, soybean, and hogs to their farm. There are many entrepreneurial opportunities available for farmers by collaborating with others in the industry and building community assets and agricultural products. 

Agriculture is also the prominent sector in Prince Edward County, with 56%, or 146,000 acres, of its area dedicated farmland. In the mid-1880s, agriculture was incredibly successful and was coined the "Barley Days." This was a time when farmers in the region supplied the American brewery industry. Now, fruits, vegetables, livestock, and dairy farms are prevalent throughout the region, increasing grape production and over 30 wineries to explore. Smaller-scale farms are also more prevalent in the county, with 40% of farms spanning 10 – 129 acres. The agricultural sector is responsible for 1,060 jobs.

The Hastings Federation of Agriculture represents the interests of 600 farming families within the region. They provide a network for agricultural producers and have a history of donating to charitable organizations, such as the Food for Learning program. Similarly, the Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture represents farm families while also contributing to their local food bank. 

The County of Prince Edward also has financial grants accessible to new farmers in the region, focusing on those whose increasing property taxes have negatively impacted.

The Hastings and Prince Edward region has numerous conservation areas and initiatives due to the number of watersheds in the region. Quinte Conservation provides landowner resources, water protection, as well as initiatives like Adopt an Acre to educate and foster sustainability. The Little Bluff Conservation Area is a beautiful, rugged landscape that also works to protect wetland where various waterfowl live. Additionally, the Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust has worked with landowners throughout both regions since 1998 to monitor and protect land and natural resources through research and public education.