The Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the National Farmers Union, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, and Ontario Farmland Trust are collaborating with Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner and Haldimand-Norfolk independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady to introduce legislation aimed at safeguarding Ontario’s farmland through the creation of a “Foodbelt”.
“Ontario loses the equivalent of nine family farms each week to urban sprawl, aggregate mining, and expensive highways like highway 413. We simply can’t afford to lose any more,” says Schreiner. “In the face of global trade instability, we must tariff-proof our economy. That starts with protecting Ontario’s farmland to defend our food sovereignty, our food and farming economy and our future so we can feed ourselves.”
If passed, the joint bill from Schreiner and Brady will establish a task force of farmers, agricultural experts, and land-use planners to develop recommendations for a strong Foodbelt Protection Plan.
The resulting report would address key priorities such as reducing land speculation, improving soil health, and protecting and enhancing farmland that is used for a variety of purposes.