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Vanishing farmland a concern, Halton Region committee told By DENNIS SMITH Metroland Media Group Shrinking farmland is posing a growing challenge for Halton and other Greater Toronto Area (GTA) communities, a Halton committee was told recently. "The number of farms in the GTA is continuing to decline at a consistent rate," said Margaret Walton of Planscape. "The trend is to larger farms." The consultant was outlining a study of GTA agriculture to Halton Region's planning and public works committee. The presentation was made on behalf of the GTA Agricultural Action Committee. Halton has an ongoing decline of farm acreage and half of its land that's in agricultural production is rented, the study noted. "The rate of rental land is quite high in the GTA and it's highest in Peel and Halton. The cost of land is prohibitive," said Walton. "A tremendous amount of land is held in the GTA for speculation and it's put into farming to qualify for the agricultural tax rate. That's a good thing." She said the problem is rental farms have short-term arrangements, so longterm farming like orchard and vegetable growing doesn't occur. Walton added there's a lot of competition for land, with some growing areas considered prime for development. The consultant said the provincial government needs to get involved. "We need a policy on how to manage productive farmland," said Walton. She's encouraged that numerous farms generate more than $500,000 annually, but added sometimes size is driven by commodity prices. "The farms get bigger because prices are stagnating and they need to produce more," said Walton. Oakville Councillor Allan Elgar expressed concern about foreign ownership of local farmland and potential outsourcing of food products to other countries. "It's a huge issue in other countries Heritage Decks Ltd. 905-873-0368 Heritage Decks specializes in the design and construction of custom cedar decks and built-in spas. Every Heritage deck is meticulously constructed with top quality material and totally original design. Call for a free cheerful estimate. Ask about our lifetime warranty! 'Shop Local' EST. 1984 See customer testimonials and pictures at www.heritagedecks.com 3 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, August 5, 2010 Deck of the Week Lifetime Warranty and it's happening here now and no one knows about it," he said. Barry Lee was unhappy about the effects of provincial legislation mandating long-term population growth targets for municipalities. "The GTA (was) picked as Places to Beat Grow," said the Milton councillor. "The isthe HST. sue here is the Province is talking out of both sides of its mouth about Places to Book now! Leveling & Repairs Grow and supporting agriculture." He feels that greenbelt legislation froze Restoration of Sagging Edges all the marginal land and opened up agri Power Washing Stains & Dirt for a "Like New" Look cultural lands for development. Polymeric Jointing Sand for a Weed Free Patio Walton believes agricultural lands were Sealing to Protect Your Newly Restored Patio, missed when the greenbelt was created, Driveway or Walkway but feels there's an opportunity to correct the situation. "We have to finally get through to the Call Today for Your Province that in order for agriculture to continue in the area, it has to be profitable NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATE and sustainable," she said. A low profile and an aging workforce www.dunroven.ca were cited as some other challenges. The average age of Halton farmers is 55.5 years, second-highest in the GTA. "We need to create links to agriculture," August 7th & 8th 12pm - 5pm said Walton. "Some of us are connected to · Horse drawn wagon rides · Farrier demonstrations · Harness agriculture, but that's not the case today demonstrations · Blacksmith shop · Plowing & disking · Making (with younger residents)." hay · Cutting grain · Stooking demonstrations · ThreshShe noted the GTA's primary agriculing demonstrations · Belgians, Percherons · Clydesdales & Spotted Drafts · Parks exhibits open · Country ture producers made a $2-billion economCanteen Open · Kid's scavenger hunt & prizes ic impact in 2006. "The GTA's advantages include transportation, a diverse and educated workforce, lots of research and development and lots of opportunities for new prodAugust 14th & 15th 10am - 5pm ucts to meet the ethnic diversity here," she 8560 Tremaine Rd., said, adding the area has great soil. All your bicycle needs! 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