*From 2024 to 2026, we are excited to be supported by the Greenbelt Foundation to amplify our outreach to non-farming owners of farmland.
As the cost of farmland continues to soar—rising more than 750% in East Central Ontario over the past 25 years—the role of farmland owners in supporting a resilient local food system has never been more important. With land becoming an increasingly valuable and scarce resource, thoughtful stewardship and access strategies are essential to ensuring the next generation of farmers can continue to grow food close to home.
At the same time, we’ve seen a 34% decline in farmed acres across our region since 1976, representing the loss of nearly 600,000 acres. This dramatic reduction is not just about land—it’s about lost potential for food production, ecological health, and rural economic stability.
Whether you farm your land or not, your decisions as a landowner impact the future of farming in our region. Programs like FindFarmland.ca and Farmland Stewardship Reports are designed to support you in making informed, values-driven choices—whether that’s leasing to a new farmer, planning long-term stewardship, or exploring conservation options.
You are part of the solution. Let’s work together to keep farmland in farming.
Links and Resources to learn why you are a critical supporting pillar in local food and farming systems.
A free resource where farmland owners can post their properties for rent. This tool supports new farmers through building land access connections between farmland owners and farmers.
70+ Questions to guide you toward a positive farmland lease agreement.
Personalized reports that give landowners the knowledge they need to care for their land in ways that support both agriculture and ecological health — keeping them connected to the local food system.
Resources for funding, soil health, water management, pollinator habitat, fencing, erosion control, stream crossings, wetland restoration, tree planting and more!
We’d love to hear from you!
If you’ve got a question, comment, or suggestion for future events or programming, please let us know!
