Three major Canadian farm organizations are calling on the federal government to immediately pause the proposed Alto high-speed rail project, warning it could permanently damage some of the country's most productive farmland and threaten national food security.
In a joint letter released Monday, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and Quebec's Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) requested an immediate suspension of project activities until a comprehensive, independent review of the proposed rail corridor is completed.
The organizations argue that the project, which would improve passenger rail service along the Quebec City-Windsor corridor, could have far-reaching consequences for agricultural operations in Ontario and Quebec.
Beyond the permanent loss of farmland, the groups warned of fragmented farm properties, reduced field access, disrupted drainage systems and increased operating costs. The rail corridor could also restrict the movement of farm machinery, livestock, agricultural products and emergency services.
The letter noted that Canada has lost more than five million hectares of farmland since 2001, an area roughly equivalent to Nova Scotia.
The organizations said protecting remaining agricultural land is essential to maintaining domestic food production and long-term food security.
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