2 MPPs want to create foodbelt to protect farmland, tariff-proof Ontario's agricultural industry

Two MPPs say Ontario needs to create a foodbelt to protect farmland and help the province's agricultural industry survive any U.S. tariffs.

Guelph MPP and Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner and MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, the independent MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk, have co-written a private member's bill that they presented at Queen's Park on Tuesday.

"Now, more than ever, is the time to protect our farmland, support farmers and grow more food right here in Ontario. Because food security is national security, and without farmland there are no farms, no food, no future," Schreiner said in a press conference.

Brady said the issue is "near and dear to my heart" and to the people she represents.

"Haldimand and Norfolk counties are home to numerous farm families who not only contribute significantly to the local economies, but the Canadian economy. This holds true for every agricultural region in this province," Brady said.

If passed, the bill would create a task force of farmers, agricultural experts and land-use planners to develop recommendations to create a foodbelt protection plan. The report would address issues like improving soil health and protecting farmland.

Schreiner said the province loses farmland to developments, mining and highway projects. He said legislation like Bill 5, the proposed Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, could encroach further onto farmers' fields.

Bill 5 would allow the province to create special economic zones and would allow the province to make changes to several laws including the Endangered Species Act, Electricity Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Environmental Protection Act, Mining Act, Ontario Heritage Act, and Species Conservation Act.

Critics have argued Bill 5 would give the government power to push through certain projects like a tunnel under Highway 401 or mineral mining in northern Ontario, with little resistance. Premier Doug Ford has said the new laws would help Ontario economically, in particular mentioning mining minerals.

"We can be the wealthiest, richest, most prosperous sub-sovereign nation anywhere in the world if we get those critical minerals out of the ground," Ford said on May 6.

Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Minister Trevor Jones said in a statement to CBC News that the provincial government "will always stand up for Ontario's world-class farmers and protect our farmlands."

Each year, Ontario's agriculture sector generates nearly $51 billion in gross domestic product and agri-food exports have increased by 65 per cent since 2018, Jones said.

"We will continue to work with our partners to strengthen and enhance farmland protection while ensuring the growth and long-term success of our agri-food sector," Jones said.

Soil 'can't be made when you destroy it'

Mark Reusser, vice-president of Waterloo Federation of Agriculture and a director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, said the proposed bill is something farmers across the province have been calling for over the years. 

Specifically in southern Ontario, he noted it's a "very special place" with a climate that allows a large variety of items to be raised and grown.

"We can grow a longer list of fruits, vegetables, grains and livestock than anywhere else in North America, with the exception of California," he said. "Soils are a strategic resource that can't be made when you destroy it."

Dave Kranenburg, treasurer and director-at-large with the National Farmers Union for Ontario, said his organization was "ecstatic" to see the legislation.

"As I was leaving my farm this morning after planting in the front field and planting trees, one of the things that I'm constantly curious about and concerned about is whether or not these trees that are being planted, are they going to be there in 20 years?" he said.

"Do I have to worry about the development encroaching on this farmland? We're investing a lot of our time, our energy, our resources and protecting the soil, the water around us and to grow food for our neighbours and I want to know that it's going to be there in 20 years at the hard work today is going to see fruition."