Jenna Salvatore and Martin Straathof were guest speakers at the recent meeting on preserving farmland held in the Russell arena on Sept. 16. Courtesy Photo

RUSSELL – Concerned residents gathered at the Russell Arena on Sept. 16 for a well-attended community meeting focused on the importance of preserving local farmland.

Organized by the Stand Our Ground organization, the event focused on “the potentially catastrophic loss of farmland across the landscape” according to information provided to The Record by SOG member Harry Baker.

Concerns about the fast growth rate in the municipality is concerning to them as “the Township is falling behind in designing, obtaining the funding and building the required infrastructure “for services such as wastewater treatment, firefighting capabilities and water supply for the new developments.

Other concerns voiced by SOG include the municipalities are “no longer required to perform a comprehensive 5 year review of the economic and environmental implications of converting farmland to development when they are increasing the settlement areas.

Stand Our Ground is requesting that the municipal council slow down development and “take a reality check on the supportive infrastructure required” and to “put reasonable limits on development, with strict protection for farmland and the environment” as well as more support for agriculture be seen “as a key part of our local economy” and the largest industrial sector in the township.

Russell Township Councillors Charles Armstrong, Lise Deacon and Marc Lalonde attended the meeting however Councillor Jamie Laurin and Mayor Mike Tarnowski were not in attendance. In a post event email to The Record, Mayor Tarnowski, commented that he feels “that farmland preservation and affordable housing are ongoing priorities for Russell Township.”

The mayor commented that protecting agricultural land is important, before continuing how “not only for its economic value but also as part of our community’s identity and heritage. These protections are embedded in provincial policy and the United Counties’ Official Plan, and any proposed changes must undergo a rigorous, public planning process.” He continued how there is real pressure facing the Township “to provide more affordable housing options for young families and seniors. Balancing growth with land protection is not simple, but it’s something the Township is working hard to manage carefully, and always with community input.”

Councillor Armstrong told The Record he is “a member of the Stand Our Ground group.” in a post event email continuing how the importance of preserving farmland and believes it “should be maintained for the future of our nation, province and municipality.” He the urbanization in the municipality is causing the loss of productive farmland, noting “the land should be passed on to our children or new farmers to maintain our food supply, a basic natural resource.” He suggests that “farmland is considered a low tax revenue generator and low employment base industry”, but it is the “largest industry in the Township in terms of both income and taxes generated.” Armstrong mentioned the Township and United Counties official plans envision “future urbanization on prime farmland. This must stop.  We do not put sufficient emphasis on higher density development that protects farmland.”

“I am very grateful to Ontario Farmland Trust for their vision and hard work to protect farmland across our province for generations to come. Their willingness to travel to our small community to form connection and exchange knowledge is a perfect reflection of the rural way: investing in relationship and partnership to solve complex issues, together.” commented Russell Township Councillor Lisa Deacon in a post event email.

Guest speakers to the event were Martin Straathof and Jenna Salvatore from the Ontario Farmland Trust providing information on issues surrounding the loss of arable land in this province.

The Ontario Farmland Trust is committed to protecting and preserving “Ontario farmlands and associated agricultural, natural and cultural landscapes of food production for the benefit of Ontarians today and future generations.”

Farmland Easement Agreements and Donations of Farmland are two OFT programs designed to protect the farm. There were hand-outs provided to those attending the community meeting regarding these programs.

“Donating your farm to the Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) is a viable option for farmland owners who want to support farmland protection in Ontario, ensure farming of agricultural lands into the future and prepared to transfer ownership of the land.”

The Farmland Easement Agreements “are the strongest tool available to farmland owners who want to protect their land forever.” In partnership with the OFT farm families “establish easement agreements that ensure their farmland will never be converted to urban development or other non-agricultural uses, while maintaining full ownership of their property.”

During Straathof’s presentation, it was noted that farmland is an important resource, not only for food production but the positive effects it provides to the environment, such as mitigating effects of flooding, filtering and storing water, as well as providing habitats for wildlife.

He mentioned how the loss of productive farmland is lost in this province “at a rate of 319 acres/day” due to a variety of factors. In addition to food production, farmland provides several advantages which These include “resident and industrial developments, mining of aggregates, golf courses and energy production (solar and wind farms).” He continued how “40% of current farmers are planning to retire in 10 years, and 60% have no succession plans.” The increase in land prices and other factors can make it difficult for young people, who are not inheriting a farm, from entering the field of farming.

More information on the OFT is available from their website located at www.ontariofarmlandtrust.ca.