Better to build bridges

Editor:

I would like to thank Clearview Councillor Robert McArthur for advocating for better communication between farmers and “people from the city”. In last week’s article, Council votes to strike ag committee, Mr. McArthur noted, “Farmers and city people, there’s a real lack of communication on what goes on out in the farming communities.” I totally agree. I would also like to suggest that the lack of communication goes both ways.

My husband and I bought the old Ferguson farm in 2016 and have lived here full-time since 2018. We have been labelled “people from the city” and will likely always be seen this way, even though this is not how we view ourselves. We don’t consider our property to be our playground. We do take seriously our responsibility to be good land stewards. We have transformed twelve acres of marginal farmland into tallgrass prairie that will soon be suitable for grazing, restored a wetland and regeneratively planted after the first thinning of our spruce plantation. We have followed 11 Ontario Federation of Agricultural best management practices.

Let’s not make assumptions about people from the city. Many agricultural properties owned by non- farmers continue to lease land to farmers. If agricultural properties are not farmed, the township has the option of taxing the property at the residential rates to incentivize continued farming. Rather than forcing farming to continue, council could pass legislation to require new owners – farmers and non-farmers – to complete an Environmental Protection Plan to be able to make good choices for the land. I suspect that many agricultural properties owned by non-farmers may not be prime agricultural land or may require regeneration

So, how can we improve communication between farmers and other members of our community? We can make sure we know the facts. The township already has the data about how many properties zoned agricultural are not farmed. Let’s check whether it’s a fact or a myth that properties are not farmed if bought by non- farmers. We could also increase opportunities to meet our local farmers to understand their challenges- and importantly, how we can help. I’d love to attend a local meet and greet where I could hear directly from farmers how I could support them. Finally, let’s set up the agricultural advisory committee to be truly representative: include women farmers (who make up 30 per cent of the workforce), young farmers, large- and small-scale farmers and farmers who practise in new and innovative ways.

I can’t speak for all people from the city. I can say that I love my home. I can also say that when I die, the land on my farm will be improved. Let’s build some bridges here and talk about the positive things that both farmers – and people from the city – contribute. After all, we both need each other.

Monica Branigan,

Creemore.