Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

A new issue (to me in Huron County) has been brought to my attention. I am quickly being brought up to speed but as we all know, there are always unanswered questions. I thought I would throw it out there to see if anyone out there can toss it back at me.
All I know - vast tract of land being aquired by the Highland Companies. (over 6000 ac). Apparently it is potato land. Someone has decided it is to be mined? Limestone Quarry?
Two articles that I have found dated April 23 (Orangeville paper) and June 23 (marketwire):
http://www.citizen.on.ca/news/2009/0423/mailbox/026.html
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/North-Dufferin-Agricultural...

(added Sept. 23) Found a main site for the local resident group: http://www.ndact.com/NDACT/

If anyone has any input - toss it out here.
Wayne Black

Views: 103

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I'm learning all about people dropping the ball. Our Minister of Energy, Smitherman, and the OPA had decided that northern York Region needed an additional power supply in "peak" times during the summer and winter. They chose the Holland Marsh, or more specifically, "just outside" of the Holland Marsh. The facility is slated to be built in a flood plain, beside Specialty Crop Area, in the Greenbelt, and on prime agricultural land--go figure. Oh yeah, it will require 18 km of 16" high pressure gas line to feed the plant. The crazy thing is, we are King Township and are on a separate grid, this will not benefit us at all. 170 tonnes of greenhouse gases will be spewed into the air at 900 degrees and will no doubt affect our micro climate (one of three in Ontario). The ironic thing is Smitherman is denying solar farms--where the land can be returned to agriculture in 20 years,--on prime agricultural land, yet insisting the natural gas-fired peaker plant should be on prime agricultural
Rec'd today via email. the Hellman's video was attached which is already posted here in my videos.
Wayne Black

Anyone noticed the rapid rate that Ontario farmland is being eaten up by urban sprawl, road expansion, etc.? Anyone think it’s wrong that Royal Gala apples from Chile were featured front and centre when I entered Sobey’s this week when I can currently pick them fifteen minutes from my house? Ever wonder when the provincial government is going to prioritize the protection of farmland in addition to setting aside ‘green areas’? Do you stop to question how our ever increasing population will be fed as well as we are today by an ever decreasing quantity of local farmers and farmland?

Want to know something you can do?

You can sign an online petition against a proposed 6000 acre quarry (the size of Orangeville pop. 30,000). It is currently threatening Class 1 farmland (highest productivity) within a 1 hr drive of Toronto (north of Shelburne my hometown). Not only is the farmland threatened, but the pit location also threatens underground streams and rivers which form the headwaters of the Nottawasaga and Grand River systems so groundwater supply is at risk. The topsoil required for agricultural use is a limited natural resource. Ontario residents need to speak out so that the things we take for granted still exist for generations to come.

http://www.ndact.com/NDACT/Petition.html

Thanks for your time!

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Grain Safety is Literally a Matter of Life and Death

BeGrainSafe Week encourages safe grain handling practices through education, rescue training, and awareness programs aimed at reducing preventable farm accidents across Canada.

Pre Harvest Glyphosate Timing Protects Crop Markets

Growers are encouraged to follow proper glyphosate application timing to reduce residue risks, protect grain quality, and maintain market access for canola, cereal, and pulse crops.

New Research Award Honours Dr. Ira Mandell’s Lasting Contributions to Ontario’s Beef Sector

The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Dr. Ira Mandell Research Award and University of Guelph PhD student Madeline McLennan as its inaugural recipient. The award and its first recipient were announced in July during BFO’s Summer Meeting at the Nottawasaga Resort and Conference Centre in Alliston.

New U.S. tariffs target some Canadian products, but canola remains exempt.

United States Levies Tariffs on Canadian Products The White House released a Fact Sheet on July 20, 2026, outlining President Donald J. Trump’s signing of three Proclamations under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The proclamations impose additional 50% tariffs on specific Canadian imports in response to what the administration views as discriminatory practices by Canada in the automotive, alcohol and dairy sectors. Tariff Scope & Rates: The tariffs apply to a range of Canadian products including wine, cement and hockey sticks. A 50% tariff on covered Canadian goods Application to listed goods regardless of USMCA status. Exemptions for energy, potash, critical minerals, fish, and goods already subject to Section 232 tariffs. An effective date of 30 days after signing. Based on the information released on July 20, canola seed, oil and meal, remain exempt and are not subject to the newly announced tariffs. Alberta Canola remains vigilant and will continue to keep its growers in

Federal AgriMarketing Funding Announcement

Today at the Calgary Stampede, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald announced federal AgriMarketing funding support for the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). CCA is grateful for the financial support for international travel undertaken by CCA staff and elected representatives to promote Canadian beef production in existing and potential export markets. Minister MacDonald announced CCA will receive up to $300,000 over two years for trade advocacy, to strengthen key international relationships and promote evidence-based, trade supportive rules. CCA travels internationally to help promote the Canadian beef advantage and to represent producers in global policy discussions. CCA staff and elected officials bring practical, on-the-ground expertise to inform decisions and ensure science-based data and real producer perspectives are reflected in global policy discussions. Our participation may be the only way to ensure that the Canadian experience, perspective and facts are s

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service