Ontario Greens and MPP Bobbi Ann Brady collaborate to table legislation on the creation of a “Foodbelt”

May 13, 2025

QUEEN'S PARK — This morning, Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner and Haldimand-Norfolk independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady were joined by representatives from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the National Farmers Union, Ontario to announce their intention to introduce legislation to protect Ontario’s farmland through the creation of a “Foodbelt”.

“Ontario loses the equivalent of nine family farms each week to urban sprawl, aggregate mining, and expensive highways like highway 413. We simply can’t afford to lose any more” said Schreiner. “In the face of global trade instability, we must tariff-proof our economy. That starts with protecting Ontario’s farmland to defend our food sovereignty, our food and farming economy and our future so we can feed ourselves.”

Schreiner highlighted that Ontario’s agriculture sector contributes over $50 billion to the provincial economy, and employs over 875,000 people – one in nine Ontarians. “Doug Ford is paving over our future, but the Ontario Greens are committed to working across party lines to protect it. That’s why we are proud to stand alongside MPP Brady to introduce this legislation.”

“Farmland needs to be protected. For many reasons but mainly because we can’t make more land. Ontario loses nearly 320 acres of farmland each day,” said MPP Brady. “To feed ourselves we must cease and desist this constant subtraction of arable land. I’ve been loud and clear on this for years now. When in 2023, I launched Bill 62, The Farmland and Arable Land Strategy Act, The PC government voted against it. Unlike PC government MPPs, I can support any good idea from any party. And the Green Party has a good idea in its Farmland Bill and I’m proud to team up with them and protect Ontario’s farmland.”

If passed, the joint bill from Schreiner and Brady will establish a task force of farmers, agricultural experts, and land-use planners to develop recommendations for a strong Foodbelt Protection Plan. The resulting report would address key priorities such as reducing land speculation, improving soil health and protecting and enhancing farmland that is used for a variety of purposes.

“Now is the time to protect our farmland, support our farmers, and grow more food right here at home,” Schreiner concluded. “Food security is national security – because without farms, there is no food, no future.”

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