The leadership of Ontario’s agricultural organizations named below are pleased to find common ground with the Ontario government in respect to protecting farmland under the proposed Provincial Planning Statement, with thanks to Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, for their willingness to meet with farmers on this issue, better understand our position and work together to find a resolution on this matter.

We understand — and support — the need to increase the housing supply in Ontario, but we also want to ensure that housing is developed without encroaching on Ontario’s farmland, which is our most precious natural resource.

It is extremely encouraging that the Government is committed to continuing to work with Ontario’s farming community to find solutions. This commitment will ensure the protection of farmland and allow Ontario’s farmers to continue to feed the villages, towns and cities of the province. In addition, local farm leaders across the province look forward to engaging in the extended consultations with respect to the proposed Provincial Planning Statement.

Since 2018, the Premier and his team have been strong advocates for the agricultural sector and had the backs of Ontario farmers. We look forward to continuing to work with this government to ensure Ontarians have a sustainable supply of fresh, healthy and local food on their dinner tables both now, and in the future.

Sincerely,

Peggy Brekveld, President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Max Hansgen, President
National Farmers Union-Ontario

Ed Scharringa, President
Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario

William Bearss, Chair
Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission

Jack Chaffe, President
Beef Farmers of Ontario

John DeBruyn, Chair
Ontario Pork

Scott Helps, Chair
Egg Farmers of Ontario

John Hemsted, Chair
Ontario Sheep Farmers

Phil Kroesbergen, Chair
Veal Farmers of Ontario

Murray Opsteen, Chair
Chicken Farmers of Ontario

Bernard Pope, Chair and Martin Straathof, Executive Director
Ontario Farmland Trust

Brian Ricker, Chair
Turkey Farmers of Ontario

Murray Sherk, Chair
Dairy Farmers of Ontario

Albert Witteveen, Chair
Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance

For more information, contact:

Rachelle Kerr
Communications Coordinator
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883 ext. 234
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