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UPDATE: Farm Groups Unite to Protect Agricultural Lands
May 30, 2023
The leadership of Ontario’s agricultural organizations named below are pleased to find common ground with the Ontario government in respect to protecting farmland under the proposed Provincial Planning Statement, with thanks to Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, for their willingness to meet with farmers on this issue, better understand our position and work together to find a resolution on this matter.
We understand — and support — the need to increase the housing supply in Ontario, but we also want to ensure that housing is developed without encroaching on Ontario’s farmland, which is our most precious natural resource.
It is extremely encouraging that the Government is committed to continuing to work with Ontario’s farming community to find solutions. This commitment will ensure the protection of farmland and allow Ontario’s farmers to continue to feed the villages, towns and cities of the province. In addition, local farm leaders across the province look forward to engaging in the extended consultations with respect to the proposed Provincial Planning Statement.
Since 2018, the Premier and his team have been strong advocates for the agricultural sector and had the backs of Ontario farmers. We look forward to continuing to work with this government to ensure Ontarians have a sustainable supply of fresh, healthy and local food on their dinner tables both now, and in the future.
Sincerely,
Peggy Brekveld, President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Max Hansgen, President
National Farmers Union-Ontario
Ed Scharringa, President
Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario
William Bearss, Chair
Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission
Jack Chaffe, President
Beef Farmers of Ontario
John DeBruyn, Chair
Ontario Pork
Scott Helps, Chair
Egg Farmers of Ontario
John Hemsted, Chair
Ontario Sheep Farmers
Phil Kroesbergen
Veal Farmers of Ontario
Murray Opsteen, Chair
Chicken Farmers of Ontario
Bernard Pope, Chair and Martin Straathof, Executive Director
Ontario Farmland Trust
Brian Ricker, Chair
Turkey Farmers of Ontario
Murray Sherk, Chair
Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Albert Witteveen, Chair
Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance