74 Ontario Ag Real Estate Better Farming | May 2024 The Waterloo Federation of Agriculture (WFA) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) have been working closely with area farmers to gather information about the rapidly evolving land use situation unfolding in Wilmot Township. Farmers and landowners including vegetable, grain and dairy farmers have received offers from a U.S.-based consulting firm, acting on behalf of the Region of Waterloo, to purchase 770 acres of prime agricultural land. The stated objective is to rezone this land for industrial use and embark on a significant economic investment and development project. Nic Weber, president of the WFA, expresses deep disappointment in the process. “Area farmers and urban counterparts in Waterloo have enjoyed a 30-year history of positive working relationships and communications, working to achieve a balance of both protecting farmland and ensuring a thriving, vibrant urban community.” “There has not been adequate consultation with local communities or consultation with landowners. We need to take the appropriate steps to ensure a thoughtful, long-term planning approach is taken to ensure a healthy productive farming sector for generations to come,” explains Weber. OFA continues to encourage and recommend using well established best planning practices that promotes a harmonious use of our landscape for both the interests of today and tomorrow. “We understand the urgency of the situation in Wilmot Township and remain concerned about the accelerating loss of farmland in Ontario. We are committed to achieving our goal of Farms and Food Forever, ensuring prime agricultural land in the area is maintained and protected, while supporting growth opportunities and economic development in areas that are best suited,” says Drew Spoelstra, OFA President. “OFA strongly supports rural economic development where it does not undermine our precious and finite agricultural resources.” BF WILMOT TOWNSHIP ‘SITUATION’ ALARMS OFA, WFA call for greater communication. Based on a release from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
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