Farms Forever: When?

The Ontario Legislature gets back to business early next month and one of the questions facing the Liberal government will be: What’s happening with Farms Forever? During the spring election, Premier Kathleen Wynne promised to create a special program aimed at protecting more of Ontario’s prime farmland, especially near urban centres.

Farms Forever is modelled after a hugely successful program in Pennsylvania which has the largest farmland preservation system in the United States. Since 1988 it has protected nearly 500,000 acres of prime farmland for its $68-billion agri-food sector through a special easement program. (Ontario’s agri-food sector is the largest in Canada, pumping $34-billion into the economy each year.)

Last month, Pennsylvania announced it had preserved another 2300-acres which happens to be the same amount of land the proposed Highland Mega Quarry would have destroyed in Dufferin County. Over the summer, Food & Water First met with provincial representatives and is encouraged by the government’s interest and engagement in farmland preservation proposals. We will be pressing the government to move quickly on Farms Forever and other protections for our vital food-producing lands.

A Sizzling Summer!

From farmers’ markets to community festivals to country parades, Food & Water First seemed to be everywhere this summer. Hundreds of lawn signs were planted at farm gates and in urban gardens. A catchy Food & Water First song also made the rounds thanks to Harpin’ Norm Lucien. Have a listen here: Food & Water First song

Thanks to all of our energetic and dedicated volunteers who gave up beautiful summer days to spread the word about Food & Water First!