Every day, 319 acres of Ontario’s farmland is removed from production in favour of other land uses. Since 1976, the region of east central Ontario alone has seen a 34% decline in farmed land, representing nearly 600,000 acres.
This loss of farmland not only translates to less locally grown food, fuel and fiber, but also fewer job opportunities within the agricultural sector. The agri-food industry is the largest economic driver in our province, employing over 860 000 individuals. Protecting a strong agricultural land base helps build economic health across our region and contributes to community food security.
Meanwhile, the cost of farmland continues to soar, rising more than 750% in East Central Ontario over the past 25 years. Prices exceed the level that can be justified in business planning for a first farm, making it impossible for almost all new entrants to buy a farm and finance a fledgling operation. New farmers – from young people to new Canadians – need to find stable, long-term access to farmland via other routes – from long term leases to farming partnerships and succession.
The need to increase local, regional and national production of food for consumption locally is now widely recognized across the Country. The pandemic, climate change and recent political barriers to the reliable movement of food across borders have combined to spark public awareness that access to affordable food is a matter of national security.
The choices made by landowners today will impact local food systems for generations to come.
A University of Guelph article exploring how Ontario communities are working to protect farmland while facing increasing development pressure.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture outlines the urgent need for better land use planning to protect farmland across the province.
A peer-reviewed article examining the national picture of farmland loss and proposing practical strategies for long-term agricultural sustainability.
