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: 116

▶ 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

Grower Engagement Meetings

Alberta Canola works for farmers—and your voice can drive what’s next. Join Alberta Canola directors, staff, and industry partners at our upcoming Grower Engagement Meetings and explore what’s happening across the canola industry and what it means for your farm. From agronomy and research to new markets, canola utilization and biofuels, we’ll explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of canola. At Alberta Canola’s grower meetings, you’ll: See how Alberta Canola works for farmers. Learn how your investment supports research, advocacy and a stronger future for canola growers. Get practical agronomy insights from our provincial agronomy specialist, Keith Gabert. Explore what’s possible for canola through new markets, canola meal utilization, biofuels, transportation, and what it all means for the future of your farm. Hear from industry experts. Connect with guest speakers from Canola Council of Canada, Imperial Oil, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, COPA and more. Conn

2026 harvest: Minister Sawyer

“For many farm families, harvest is the culmination of months of hard work and many long days. Whether they're wrapping up harvest or working to bring in the last of this year's crop, farmers and producers across Alberta continue to show the dedication and determination that keeps our agriculture sector strong. “Despite weather challenges, crop yields are estimated to be above average, especially in the south and central regions. I applaud the perseverance, patience and hard work of farmers despite the circumstances with this growing season. “Recent weeks have finally brought favourable conditions for harvest in many parts of Alberta, allowing producers to make significant progress. While slow maturity and periods of rain early in the harvest season and recent frost and snow have slowed work in some areas, producers continue to make the most of every opportunity to get crops off the field. Harvest of major crops is now 88 per cent complete across the province. “As producers prepare

Ag in the House: Oct. 19 – 23

An Ontario MP asked how the government is protecting Mariposa Dairy

Bayer Invests $45M in New Canadian Canola Innovation Centre

Bayer Crop Science is investing $45 million CAD in a new canola innovation centre in Winnipeg, with research targeting faster genetic gains, improved agronomic performance and expanded weed control options for Canadian growers.

USDA Corrects Corn Estimates as Growers Question NASS Data

USDA has corrected September corn estimates after NASS discovered a processing error affecting Kansas, Nebraska and national figures.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service