Fall/Winter Webinar Series: Farmland Protection and Policy

Farmland protection is shaped by decisions made at every level of government. This session provides an overview of the policies and tools that influence farmland protection, with a focus on how provincial policies are interpreted and applied by municipalities. Speakers Sara Epp, Associate Professor for the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph, and Bridget Ryan, Councillor for the Town of Erin, will explore how municipal planning decisions can impact farmland, what tools and opportunities are available to advocate for its protection, and how community members can play a role in shaping local decisions. With municipal elections approaching, the session will also explore how to identify and support candidates who are committed to protecting farmland and strengthening the agricultural future of their communities. The Ontario Farmland Trust is a provincial, agriculture focused land trust in Ontario, Canada. Our mission at the Ontario Farmland Trust is to protect and preserve Ontario farmlands and associated agricultural, natural and cultural landscapes of food production for the benefit of Ontarians today and future generations. We do this through direct farmland protection, including conservation easement agreements and fee simple donations of farmland. We also engage in Ontario public policy on farmland, making regular submissions to the Province during policy reviews, and participating in public dialogue and debate surrounding issues of farmland loss that are of provincial significance. Our last area of work is education on farmland loss, with webinars, community outreach, and an annual Farmland Forum. Visit our website to learn more and join our newsletter: https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/ Contact our team for more information: https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/conta... Follow us on Facebook: / ontariofarmlandtrust Follow us on Instagram: / ontariofarmlandtrust Follow us on LinkedIn: / ontariofarmlandtrust