Photo © Courtesy of Ontario Farmland Trust
Secure Our Farmland, Strengthen Our Future with the Ontario Farmland Trust
Ontario is facing a period of rapid farmland loss. Over the next 20 years, the province stands to lose another 2.3 million acres of farmland—an alarming 20 per cent reduction. Considering that only six per cent of Canada’s land is suitable for food production, this is an issue that cannot be ignored.
When it comes to farmlands and our collective future, it’s crucial to recognize the long-term impact this trend will have on our society, economy, and environment.
The Future of Food
Ontarians care where our food comes from, but protecting farmland is not just about safeguarding our food supply; it is also about ensuring food safety, food sovereignty, and price stability. It is about mitigating and adapting to climate change, supporting rural economies, and preserving the knowledge and traditions that have sustained us while embracing technological advancements in agriculture.
However, this will only be possible if we ensure the long-term land security needed for diverse food production. As it stands, the current rate of farmland loss in Ontario is unsustainable. In the last 35 years, Ontario has lost 15 per cent of its farmland. At the current pace, that number will climb to 35 per cent over the next 35 years. If this trend continues, future generations may find themselves without enough land to grow their own food.
Farmland is the foundation of Ontario’s agri-food industry, contributing $47 billion to the economy, with $9.3 billion coming directly from the production of agricultural commodities. Yet, there is a troubling disconnect between the rising costs of farmland, the struggles of farmers, and the profits of food processors and retailers. From 2020 to 2023, farmland prices in the southwest of Ontario have soared, with the average price per acre jumping from $19,100 to $32,700. This is why organizations like the Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) are so vital.
Preserving Farmland
For over 20 years, OFT, a registered charitable organization, has been a critical voice in farmland protection, partnering with institutions like the University of Guelph to educate future planners on the importance of farmland conservation.
Through initiatives like the annual Farmland Forum, OFT brings planners, politicians, farmers, and conservationists together to address Ontario’s farmland’s pressing issues.
Currently, there is no centralized resource centre to support efforts for farmland preservation. The good news is that OFT is well-positioned to create one. This would provide essential resources to community members, planners, municipal councillors, and others, empowering them to engage in meaningful advocacy for local farmland protection. By fostering a deeper understanding of agricultural systems and land use planning, we can address the affordability and accessibility of farmland.
Agriculture in Ontario also needs new pathways that make farming a realistic career option, especially for those not from farming backgrounds. With 40 per cent of farmers set to retire in the next decade and 66 per cent without a succession plan, the future of farming is at risk. This is why OFT is forging partnerships and securing funding for a program designed to provide alternative, affordable pathways to land access, overcoming the barriers that are discouraging young people from entering agriculture.
The solutions to these challenges lie in creative planning and strong policies that ensure development supports agriculture rather than undermines it. OFT’s work with farmland easements, which have permanently protected 26 properties and over 2,600 acres across the province, is a key tool in this effort, ensuring that our limited farmland remains protected for food production.
As voters, we must prioritize farmland preservation in every election. Our elected officials will listen if we clarify that this issue matters to us. The decisions we make now will shape the legacy we leave for future generations. Preserving farmland is not just about protecting land; it is about ensuring the resilience and prosperity of our communities for years to come.
To support OFT’s efforts, donations can be made at ontariofarmlandtrust.ca.
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