For immediate release
May 14, 2025
QUEEN’S PARK – The best way to respect and appreciate Ontario’s farm families is to protect their land.
MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at a news conference Tuesday announced with Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, their tabling of The Protect our Food Act, 2025. The Act is designed to protect farmland, support farmers, and grow more food in Ontario. The Bill proposes to create a task force of farmers, agricultural experts, and land-use planners to develop recommendations for a strong Foodbelt Protection Plan.
The proposed legislation received support from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the National Farmers Union – Ontario, the Ontario Farmland Trust, and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario.
“This legislation is close to my heart because I represent Haldimand-Norfolk, which is a significant agricultural region in Ontario, known for its diverse crop production and livestock farming,” Brady said. “Both counties are home to numerous farm families who not only contribute significantly to the local economy but to the Canadian economy. This holds true for every agricultural region across Ontario.”
Brady reiterated the urgency of this proposed legislation: Ontario is losing 319 plus acres of farmland each day. To be domestically self-sufficient in food production, Ontario must cease the constant subtraction of arable land. She feels the legislation will help prevent further land degradation and protect farmland and arable land while also respecting farmers who want to create succession plans and re-invest in their farms.
“Ontario agriculture and food annually contribute $50 billion to the province’s economy and employs almost one million Ontarians. If we don’t protect our food-producing land, we will also send shockwaves across our economy with the loss of stem, labour, technological jobs and even damage rural main streets,” said Brady. “We have seen the response from governments when it comes to manufacturing as it stares down the threats from the south. It’s time we do the same for agriculture. And this piece of legislation would be the best place to start.”
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For more information, contact MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at [email protected] or 519-428-0446