Written by: Alyssa Rush
Did you know Ontario loses 319 acres of farmland every day to development? This land is vital for food production. Once developed, it is lost to agriculture forever. We must protect our farmland for our economy, ecosystems, and communities. This is important now with rising concerns about tariffs and global trade.
The MLFPC supports Bill 21, the Protect Our Food Act. Introduced in May 2025 by MPPs Bobbi Ann Brady and Mike Schreiner, this bill aims to protect productive agricultural land. It creates a Foodbelt Protection Plan and requires Agricultural Impact Assessments before zoning changes. An agricultural impact assessment is a study that identifies and evaluates the potential impacts of non-agricultural development on the agricultural system. This bill is an important step for food security, climate adaptation, and responsible land use in Ontario.
Middlesex County has strong agricultural roots. Our economy and heritage rely on farming and food production. Land prices in our region are rising, creating challenges for current and future generations of farmers. When land is valued for development instead of farming, it harms the farming industry. It pressures farmers to sell their land. Also, when farmers plan to sell their land to developers, they hesitate to invest in their farms and local businesses. This means that businesses like feed mills and processors may also close, threatening our farming community.
With rising food insecurity in Ontario, we must remember that land use impacts access to nutritious, affordable, locally grown food. Farmland protection is important for future growth and community food security. Bill 21 ensures future generations have the land and resources they need for food, health, and well-being.
For these reasons, the MLFPC strongly supports Bill 21, the Protect Our Food Act. To learn more about Bill 21, click here.
Want to voice support for Bill 21? Call or email your MPP today!
