For release: June 21, 2004
Advisory Team to Safeguard Farming Interests
Agricultural Advisory Team Recommended By Greenbelt Task Force
TORONTO - The Ontario government is appointing an Agricultural
Advisory Team to ensure that Ontario’s growth management strategy
addresses the concerns of agricultural stakeholders, Minister of Agriculture
and Food Steve Peters announced today.
“Ontario is blessed with some of the most productive agricultural
lands in the country,” said Peters. “This advisory team will
help protect Ontario’s agricultural interests while furthering our
government’s commitment to establish a greenbelt and build strong
communities.”
Former federal agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief, and past chair of
the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Bob Bedggood have agreed to
provide ongoing advice as the government formulates its growth management
strategy.
The Agricultural Advisory Team, a recommendation of the Greenbelt Task
Force, will seek input on a variety of land use and planning issues from
farmers and technical experts, including:
- land use planning policies that affect farm viability
- the Farm and Food Production Protection Act and Minimum Distance
Separation formulae (a tool to determine the recommended distance between
a livestock operation and another land use)
- the identification of areas of prime agricultural land
- the role of non-government land trusts and other organizations
The team will also suggest strategies to strengthen opportunities for
agricultural activities in protected areas and may identify other, more
complex agricultural land use planning issues to be addressed in the long
term.
“The farming community makes a significant contribution to Ontario’s
economic and social well-being,” Peters said. “The advice
provided by these knowledgeable and respected members of the agricultural
community will help us to ensure its continued strength.”
Contact:
Mary Devorski
Minister’s Office
416-326-3077
416-606-8303 (Mobile)
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