Green Party tables legislation to protect Ontario’s ‘Foodbelt’

The provincial Green Party announced new legislation to protect Ontario’s farmland Tuesday morning.

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner and Haldimand-Norfolk independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady were joined by representatives from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and National Farmers Union to announce their intention to table legislation to protect Ontario’s farmland.

“Ontario loses the equivalent of nine family farms each week to urban sprawl, aggregate mining, and expensive highways like highway 413. We simply can’t afford to lose any more,” said Schreiner in a press release.

Ontario’s agriculture sector contributes over $50 billion to the provincial economy, and employs over 875,000 people – that’s one in nine people living in the province.

Schreiner added that Doug Ford has been trying to pave over much of Ontario’s agricultural land, but the Greens are committed to working with other parties to protect it.

If passed, the joint bill will establish a task force of farmers, agricultural experts, and land-use planners to develop recommendations for a strong Foodbelt Protection Plan.

“Now is the time to protect our farmland, support our farmers, and grow more food right here at home,” Schreiner added.

More information about the bill can be found on the Green Party’s website.

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