Protect prime farmland, no contracts for non-compliant wind farm operators WCO tells IESO

Jan 23, 2024

Protection of prime farmland for food is as important to rural communities as Greenbelt land is to urban residents, Wind Concerns Ontario says [Shutterstock image]

In advance of its next Request for Proposals, the Independent Electricity System Operator or IESO accepted comments from Ontario citizens, municipalities, community groups and other stakeholders.

The next round of proposals will begin in 2024, and is aimed at attracting 2,000 megawatts of new power generation. Projects may be for generation from wind, solar, hydro or biomass.

Wind Concerns Ontario participated in the engagement process, filing two comment documents: one was for general comments on the procurement process and the wind power situation in Ontario, while a second comprised a detailed analysis and critique of the revenue plan proposed.

“We remain concerned about the Request For Proposals process as was carried out last year, and as proposed to be launched in a few weeks. On the advice of several advisors, many of whom are professionals in energy, economics and engineering, our position is that there should be no new contracts for wind power projects until the very serious problems with the existing projects are corrected. That includes setbacks from residences, noise limits, and more,” Wind Concerns Ontario wrote, introducing its general comment document.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.