“Farmland needs to be protected. For many reasons but mainly because we can’t make more land. Ontario loses nearly 320 acres of farmland each day,” says MPP Brady.
“To feed ourselves we must cease and desist this constant subtraction of arable land. I’ve been loud and clear on this for years now. When in 2023, I launched Bill 62, The Farmland and Arable Land Strategy Act, The PC government voted against it. Unlike PC government MPPs, I can support any good idea from any party. And the Green Party has a good idea in its Farmland Bill and I’m proud to team up with them and protect Ontario’s farmland.”
“Now is the time to protect our farmland, support our farmers, and grow more food right here at home,” Schreiner says. “Food security is national security - because without farms, there is no food, no future.”
“OFA congratulates MPPs Mike Schreiner and Bobbi Ann Brady and appreciates their leadership on this Bill,” says Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture. “The Bill recognizes that protecting farmland isn’t just about drawing lines on a map—it’s about keeping farms and farmers viable and rural communities strong. It reinforces the importance of protecting our food-producing capacity before it's too late."
Ontario has a $50 billion food and farming economy that employs 1 in 10 people in the province. Even though Ontario has 25.5% of Canada’s farms, only 5% of our land is considered “prime farmland”. In the past 35 years, Ontario has lost 2.8 million acres (18%) of its farmland to non-agricultural land uses. We’re losing farmland faster and faster: Ontario went from losing 175 acres of farmland per day in 2016 to 319 acres a day in 2020. Additionally, 65% of the food grown in Ontario is eaten by Ontarians.
“Farmland is a finite resource, and it is the most critical resource for a high standard of living. No farmland, no food,” states Max Hansgen, President, National Farmers Union of Ontario. This bill is a great step towards ensuring the future well-being of the people of Ontario.”
“The Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) welcomes the introduction of this bill and commends MPPs Mike Schreiner and Bobbi Ann Brady for their leadership in bringing forward this important legislation,” shares Martin Straathof, Executive Director, Ontario Farmland Trust.
“At a time when Ontario continues to lose hundreds of acres of farmland each day to non-agricultural development, we believe bold, systemic action is urgently needed. The establishment of a legislated Foodbelt represents a meaningful step toward recognizing farmland as an asset essential to our province’s long-term food security, economy, and resiliency. These are aligned with the Ontario Farmland Trust’s mission to protect and preserve Ontario’s farmland and ensure that future generations of farmers have access to the land they need to grow food sustainably.”
“CFFO is in general agreement with the intent of this bill and appreciates your efforts in putting this together,” states Paul Bootsma, Member Relations Manager, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. “We look forward to continuing working together to protect our valuable resource of soils for food production.”
The group is asking Ontarions to sign a petition to show their support.