www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 13, 2016 | 18 Agriculture needs support to stay alive in Halton by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Oakville's future no longer provides for agriculturally zoned lands and Halton's agricultural industry in the remainder of the region is under stress, says agricultural planning expert Margaret Walton. "Essentially rapid urbanization is negatively impacting the long-established rural and agricultural communities in Halton," Walton told Halton Region's planning and public works committee Oct. 5. The planner was hired by the Region to create a Rural Agricultural Strategy for Halton by engaging with the local agricultural community. In making recommendations, which look at reducing barriers and creating opportunities for strengthening the rural and agricultural sectors, Walton warns of a "continuous decline in the amount of land that's under production." In 2011, Halton was the only region that saw a decline in gross farm receipts based on Statistics Canada data, cited Walton. Although Halton Region has taken a strong stance in implementing policies designed to protect and preserve farmland and support the agricultural community, Walton said it's clear the policies aren't working. The planner dubbed the situation "a bit of a canary in the mine indicating that Halton's Terre Bleu Lavender Farm in rural Milton, where owner Ian Baird also operates a lavender distillery and beehives. Baird is pictured with his son William, 8, and daughter Madeline, 11. | Graham Paine/Metroland agricultural sector is under a lot of stress." Farmland areas continue to decline, with challenges including the rising cost of farmland, a shift in commodity profile where livestock operators are moving out of Halton; instability due to uncertainty; a disconnect between rural and urban residents; and, conflict with urban development. "Farmers plan in generations, they do not plan in years, and if they don't see long-term certainty in the areas they're farming, they will leave," said Walton. She recalled a local dairy farmer she interviewed a few years ago whose family had a long history of farming in Halton. Among the challenges faced was the fact there were no other dairy farmers with whom the farmer could work to share equipment. Despite wanting to remain, the future was uncertain and the farmer moved to Prince Edward County, Ont. Campbellville lavender farmer Ian Baird also cited challenges farmers face, noting the need for agricultural policies to change to make it less cumbersome for farmers to thrive. "I want to share our story and give you a reason why you should care," he told committee members. In a lavender-coloured, button-up shirt and matching sneakers, Baird related how he moved his family to Halton to create a better and healthier lifestyle for them on the farm they call Terre Blue. Over the past five years, the family has transformed the land by ploughing the fields and planting row upon row of lavender. Lavender is distilled on-site to make essential oils and the farm produces lavender-related products. see Rule on p.20 AVIGAYIL CASHED IN $1,384 FROM HER CLOSET! #EXCITED Cooking for one is a lot of work. Now I can easily order balanced meals with free delivery! Get delicious, frozen meals, soups and desserts delivered directly to your home. Made for Seniors Request your FREE Menu Catalogue Today! 1-844-409-0050 HeartToHomeMeals.ca Cash in your closet today at TrendTrunk.com *actual member results based on selling price. Visit TrendTrunk.com for more testimontials Free Delivery*. No Obligation. Delicious Choices. *some conditions may apply.