Thursday June 4: “Farmland Protection 101” in Midhurst

Ontario Farmland Trust and Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition Looking to Protect Prime Foodlands

News release from Ontario Farmland Trust and Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition

Ontario Farmland Trust and Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition are partnering to host an evening discussion about farmland protection in Simcoe County and across the province.

Says Kathryn Enders, Executive Director of Ontario Farmland Trust, “Ontario continues to lose 175 acres per day of arable farmland to urban sprawl and other non-farm development, which raises major concerns about the future of local food and farming in this province.”

Margaret Prophet, Executive Director of the Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition, says, “People clearly see the disappearance of farmland across the county and don’t want to have this place turn into another concrete wasteland. We must recognize the economic value that our local farms provide as well as the food. We can’t eat concrete, but soon that’s mostly what will remain of the once vibrant agricultural systems if we don’t change our ways.”

The evening will include presentations and conversation about why protecting farmland is important for all Ontarians, current threats, and the tools available to protect farmland, including provincial policies and Farmland Easement Agreements. All those who are interested in protecting agricultural land now and into the future are invited to join us to learn more.

The free event will be held on Tuesday, June 4th, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Midhurst United Church, 90 Doran Road, Midhurst, ON.