I understand that once…

I understand that once farmland has been removed from agricultural use, we will lose employment, the potential to sustain our food security and increase the transportation of food and the greenhouse gases released in that transportation. I am concerned about Bill 97 because once prime agricultural areas are allowed to be severed and have housing built on them, we can never recreate that farmland. Further, in Northern Ontario, a lot more inputs are required, as there is rocky terrain, so losing southern Ontario food production would require more investment in greenhouses and input in farming in parallel - again this is not ideal. Where is the public participation component in this policy other than letters? In a time of climate change and associated challenges, we need mitigation. Green space helps cool areas, farmland can be green. Currently, farm areas can already house staff and farm owner families. Urban densification is what is required. The Netherlands have limited farm areas, due to low lands and flooding from the ocean. Where is the research that backs up this change in policy. We can borrow from countries like the Netherlands that have solid protection for agricultural areas and discourage sprawl.