From MegaQuarry News
With less than three weeks to go in the Ontario election campaign, we’re happy to report the Food & Water First movement is having an impact! Premier Kathleen Wynne made a campaign stop at a Brantford farm this morning where she announced plans for a Farms Forever program. This is an excerpt from the release:
An increasing amount of agricultural land is being used up by urban expansion and aggregate extraction. At the same time, a large supply of farmland close to major urban centres is an essential source of food and supports Ontario’s strong agri-food sector.
To help land owners protect prime agricultural land close to major urban centres, a Liberal government will create a Farms Forever program. This program will help support the local sourcing of food and strengthen Ontario’s thriving agri-food sector.
Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberals will make it easier for landowners to protect their land from development if it is prime agricultural land. At the request of a landowner, an easement can be granted to prevent non-agricultural development from taking place on the land even if the land is sold to another party. We will support landowners and land trusts to encourage more preservation of farmland using easements.
A Liberal government recognizes that young farmers need support and we will use Farms Forever and other policies to ensure that farming is an occupation that can be enjoyed by generations to come.
This is a very promising development! The Liberals have not gone as far as theGreen Party in supporting the goals of Food & Water First to protect all of the province’s Class 1 farmland. However, they are acknowledging that the protection of prime farmland in this province is clearly an issue of growing concern. The announcement of Farms Forever — which resembles the long-running program in Pennsylvania — is an indication that our hard work is paying off!
What next?
We continue to press all candidates to take the Food & Water First Pledge and can report another Liberal cabinet minister, Glen Murray, has done so. Please continue to reach out to Liberals, Progressive Conservatives and New Democrats. (The Green Party is already on board!)
Food & Water First is a non-partisan citizens’ movement. Food and water are non-partisan issues. Every party should be on board with supporting the largest agri-food sector in the country, and the soil and water that sustain it. Please let us know what the candidates are telling you when you ask them to stand up for farmland and water!
Please share the website with friends and family!
The Food & Water First Team
After reviewing the Liberal’s “Farms Forever” policy, I noticed there are no guarantees to protect farmland from development. If a developer purchases farmland for the purpose of development, there would be no reason, as an owner, to apply for an easement. Mere opportunity for easement applications does not protect valuable farmland from being developed. Again, here is an excellent example of a loophole for allowing land speculators to do as they please. The only way to protect farmland and the environment is to incorporate all number 1, 2 and 3 farmland into the greenbelt. It is also neceesary to review and upgrade all classifications of farmland where it is required. Property taxes for all purchased farmland which is not being used for agricultural purposes, thus laying dormant, should be doubled. This would help to prevent developers or corporations from speculating in farmland areas. Legislation must also be passed to stop SLAP lawsuits against communities or individuals opposed to such development. Communities must have a stronger say in all types of development within their communities. Regulations with the OMB must be changed to protect the farmland. If elected, I would fight to pass legislation to prevent corporations and developers from donating funds to candidates in municipal elections. These are the changes I will be fighting for in this riding if I am elected.
Which riding are you running in for election David?