Senator Black hopes to spark a consensus on protecting farmland

Ottawa—Protecting Canada’s farmland from urban sprawl and poor land-use planning is crucial to ensuring the country can help keep feeding the world, says Ontario Senator Rob Black.

Black, the chair of the Senate agriculture committee, has launched a discussion in the Senate that he hopes will convince the federal, provincial and municipal governments to act cohesively to protect Canada’s productive soils while creating sufficient housing for a growing population.

The need for action has been made clear by presentations to the agriculture committee’s study on soil health started earlier this year, Black said. “This collaboration will also help with future land planning, development and urban sprawl.”

Black told the Senate that the increased demand for housing can be met while farmland, wetlands and forests are preserved. “Canada has the unique opportunity and responsibility to not only sustainably feed its own people but contribute to the global effort to eradicate hunger.

“As we navigate the complexities of supply chains, the rising cost of food and the pressing need for housing, it is crucial that we take decisive action to ensure the optimal use of our land resources.

“As a nation, we must seize the opportunity to ensure and enhance our food security and become a global leader in sustainable agriculture. Removing land from agriculture will only decrease food security.”

That should make protection of agricultural land and its efficient use a national priority, Black said. While land-use planning is a provincial matter, there is an interdependence among the provinces when it comes to ensuring their policies “address the varying agricultural needs and challenges across this nation.”

As well, Canada needs a comprehensive agricultural policy that takes into account the diverse farming landscapes and production capacities across Canada. This way the federal government can play a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to maximize the potential of the country’s agricultural sector, while at the same time preserving our natural resources and meeting the needs of the growing population.

“Embracing technological advancements such as precision agriculture, hydroponics and vertical farming can significantly increase productivity while reducing resource consumption,” he said. “By investing in research development and implementation, we can ensure our farmers will adopt these practices and thus empower them to produce more food with fewer resources.”

Canada also needs to invest “in infrastructure and transportation networks that facilitate the timely and cost-effective delivery of agricultural products to consumers. By bolstering our supply chains, we can reduce waste, minimize spoilage and ensure that fresh and nutritious food reaches every corner of our nation.”

Governments also need to address the rising cost of groceries, Black said. “A good way to do that is by enhancing local food production. By supporting small-scale and urban farming initiatives, we can reduce our reliance on imported goods and services and create a more resilient food system. Encouraging community gardens and rooftop farms and promoting farmers’ markets can help strengthen local economies, foster social cooperation and provide affordable fresh produce for all Canadians.”

Reducing unnecessary regulations, promoting fair competition and encouraging cooperation among stakeholders will create a more efficient and transparent food system that benefits both producers and consumers