"Ontario's farmland is a strategic provincial and national asset, and the highest and best use of our arable land is for agriculture - and let's not forget that agriculture and agri-food is a cornerstone of Ontario's economic prosperity. This sector, which is built around productive agricultural land, contributes $51 billion annually to the provincial economy and employs about 10 per cent of Ontario's work force."
"Projects deemed to be of 'national interest' must not compromise the vitality of rural communities, the long-term viability of agricultural businesses and farmland, maple and forestry potential, or the food security of the population, which should be the true priority."
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the Alto high-speed rail corridor as part of nation-building projects in late 2025, initially planned to connect Ottawa and Montreal, with future expansion to Toronto and Quebec City. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture and l'Union des producteurs agricoles are urging immediate project suspension during the 90-day consultation period. The proposed rail alignment threatens some of Canada's most productive farmland. Agricultural organizations emphasize that farmland represents a strategic national asset and that agriculture contributes significantly to economic prosperity and food security. They are requesting the project avoid prime agricultural areas, prevent farm fragmentation, protect drainage systems, and address farmer concerns comprehensively.
#high-speed-rail-infrastructure #agricultural-land-preservation #rural-development-conflict #food-security #canadian-infrastructure-policy
Read at Realagriculture
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