Kitchener Conestoga MP tables motion to study protection of farmland
Posted Apr 19, 2024 09:57:16 AM.
Last Updated Apr 19, 2024 09:57:41 AM.
Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis is calling for a study into the long-term use of prime agricultural farmland.
The motion was tabled on Thursday at the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Louis said the agricultural sector is a “vital economic driver” in not only his riding but in rural communities across Canada.
“I am proud to table this motion in (the) Agriculture Committee to study how we can better protect agricultural land,” Louis said in a press release. “The agriculture and agri-food sector is a vital economic driver in Kitchener-Conestoga and rural communities across Canada, providing healthy food for our community and markets around the world. I will continue listening to and advocating for our hard-working farmers and producers.”
The study would have the committee interview stakeholders, such as farmers and would then be reported to the House of Commons for a government response.
According to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the province loses 319 acres of farmland every day and only five per cent of its landmass is suitable for farming.
Louis was one of multiple local politicians who made an appearance at a meeting with residents and local farmers earlier this month.
He said that the federal government is not involved in the ongoing dispute with 770 acres of farmland in Wilmot that are facing threats of expropriation.
