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A B.C. company known for its development of apples that help reduce food waste, has received approval from Health Canada for a new apple variety. Okanagan Special Fruits (OSF), the company behind the Arctic brand of apples, which include Granny Smith, Fuji and Golden varieties, received the green light for its new Arctic Gala apple. “Health Canada (HC) notified OSF that it has no objection to the food use of the Arctic apple event in the Gala apple variety, noting that the event was no different than the three varieties previously approved by the agency and now commercially grown by the company,” the company said in an April 9 press release. OSF’s apple offerings stay fresher longer because of its scientific process. The process includes “turning off” the fruit’s polyphenol oxidase (PPO), the enzyme responsible for enzymatic browning. “This browning is due to a chemical reaction with oxygen in the air, and it may be responsible for up to half of all food waste,” the American Chemical Society says. By silencing the apple’s PPO, Arctic’s fresh sliced products have a shelf life of up to 28 days, OSF says.

By Farms.com Researchers at the University of Calgary have discovered a critical link affecting radon gas levels in rural homes, particularly those near drilled groundwater wells. This finding sheds light on why rural communities experience higher radon concentrations compared to urban settings. The study, a collaborative effort across multiple faculties, delves into the geophysical, architectural, and property-specific factors contributing to this phenomenon. Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, the lead investigator, highlights an intriguing aspect of rural water wells, stating, "It’s the water wells – not the water, but the wells themselves – that appear to be acting as unintended straws for radon gas deep in the ground." This insight points to the structural gaps around well pipes as a major conduit for radon gas, rather than the water content itself. Radon, a carcinogenic gas, poses significant health risks, especially as the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in Canada. Adding to this, Dr. Cathy Ryan's observation that "unintended" or "fugitive" radon gas migration could be happening alongside water wells parallels concerns previously noted with methane around oil and gas wells. This comparison emphasizes the potential dangers lurking in rural living environments and the need for meticulous inspection and remediation efforts. To combat these risks, the study advocates for rigorous radon testing, particularly in rural areas with drilled groundwater wells. Averaging a 30% higher exposure in rural homes across Canada, this research underscores the urgency of addressing radon safety and includes contributions from the realms of medicine, science, and architecture. The importance of integrating environmental understanding into building design is also highlighted, offering crucial insights into creating safer living spaces. Josh Taron from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape points out, "In order to design safe and healthy buildings, it’s imperative to understand the environment in which they exist." Supported by the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, this study not only advances our understanding of radon exposure risks but also fuels initiatives like the Evict Radon National Study, aimed at eradicating radon from Canadian homes and enhancing lung cancer screening inclusivity.

Early in 2024, Case IH revealed their latest agricultural marvel, the AF11 Combine Series, along with a series of purpose-driven solutions that underscore the company’s dedication to advancing farming efficiency and productivity. Kurt Coffey, Vice President of North America with Case IH, says the new additions to the lineup represents more than just an evolution in machinery; it signifies a commitment to innovation that’s rooted in a deep understanding of the farmer's needs. Coffey says the development of the AF11 Series was guided by a singular vision: to deliver industry-leading performance, capacity, and grain quality. Case IH’s focus on creating the largest grain tank in the industry isn’t just about size says Coffey — it’s about enabling farmers to meet the demands of tighter harvesting windows and increasing farm sizes with unparalleled productivity. The combine's design, characterized by simplicity and durability, aims directly at maximizing uptime and enhancing the farmer's bottom line. But, according to Coffey Case IH's innovation doesn’t stop at the combine. The introduction of a new heavy-duty suspended undercarriage for their iconic Quadtrac platform illustrates a responsive approach to customer feedback. This update not only maintains the Quadtrac's global reputation for solving field challenges through improved flotation, compaction, and power delivery but also addresses the desire for greater comfort and a better overall ride. Coffey says this commitment to listening and responding to the agricultural community’s needs is a theme that will continue to resonate throughout Case IH’s offerings. From the powerful AF11 to the enhanced Quadtrac undercarriage, each product demonstrates Case IH’s philosophy of purposeful design. By focusing on the practical needs and challenges faced by farmers, Case IH continues to lead the industry in innovation, ensuring that every product they develop delivers tangible benefits to its users. Coffey’s message was clear: every piece of equipment, every innovation, and every design choice is driven by a commitment to improving the efficiency, productivity, and satisfaction of the farming community.

One of Saskatchewan’s political parties wants to limit foreign farmland ownership. “The problem with foreign farmland ownership is it’s chewing up so much farmland that it drives the land prices right up,” Rose Buscholl, theleader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan, told Farms.com. “It becomes impossible for people to compete and for families to keep the farms in their families.” For context, Saskatchewan’s farmland values increased by almost 16 per cent from 2022, Farm Credit Canada’s Farmland Values Report says. Under current Saskatchewan law, people or entities deemed ineligible, which include non-Canadian citizens or non-permanent residents of Canada, may own 10 acres of land. Acquisitions of more than 10 acres require an exemption from the Farm Land Security Board. One of the Buscholl’s party’s proposals is to expand the definition of foreign farmland ownership to include people or entities who aren’t living or farming in Saskatchewan. A 2017 report from Saskatchewan and Manitoba researchers found that, in 2014, 37 identified investors owned a total of 837,019 acres.

By Farms.com Researchers at the University of Calgary have discovered a critical link affecting radon gas levels in rural homes, particularly those near drilled groundwater wells. This finding sheds light on why rural communities experience higher radon concentrations compared to urban settings. The study, a collaborative effort across multiple faculties, delves into the geophysical, architectural, and property-specific factors contributing to this phenomenon. Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, the lead investigator, highlights an intriguing aspect of rural water wells, stating, "It’s the water wells – not the water, but the wells themselves – that appear to be acting as unintended straws for radon gas deep in the ground." This insight points to the structural gaps around well pipes as a major conduit for radon gas, rather than the water content itself. Radon, a carcinogenic gas, poses significant health risks, especially as the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in Canada. Adding to this, Dr. Cathy Ryan's observation that "unintended" or "fugitive" radon gas migration could be happening alongside water wells parallels concerns previously noted with methane around oil and gas wells. This comparison emphasizes the potential dangers lurking in rural living environments and the need for meticulous inspection and remediation efforts. To combat these risks, the study advocates for rigorous radon testing, particularly in rural areas with drilled groundwater wells. Averaging a 30% higher exposure in rural homes across Canada, this research underscores the urgency of addressing radon safety and includes contributions from the realms of medicine, science, and architecture. The importance of integrating environmental understanding into building design is also highlighted, offering crucial insights into creating safer living spaces. Josh Taron from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape points out, "In order to design safe and healthy buildings, it’s imperative to understand the environment in which they exist." Supported by the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, this study not only advances our understanding of radon exposure risks but also fuels initiatives like the Evict Radon National Study, aimed at eradicating radon from Canadian homes and enhancing lung cancer screening inclusivity.

One of Quebec’s opposition parties is calling on Premier François Legault and his government to set aside funds for farmers during these challenging times. A spokesperson for Quebec solidaire, which has 12 out of 125 seats in the province’s national assembly, is imploring the government to do more before it’s too late for some farmers. "We can't wait for the next budget to give agricultural producers some breathing space," Gabirel Nadeau-Dubois, who represents the riding of Gouin, told the Canadian Press. "Of course, there are a lot of things to do, there are a lot of programmes to review, and there are issues that won't be resolved in a few days. But one thing the premier must do quickly is to release an emergency fund to provide immediate financial assistance to farmers who need it because last season was catastrophic, and 2024 is shaping up to be difficult too.” This recent call for more support came after Quebec farmers staged a protest last week. More than 300 producers drove their tractors through Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on Friday to voice the challenges they’re facing. "We already have people going bankrupt. We already have people shutting down, doing something else. A lot of farmers already have to work almost part-time, if not full-time, outside the farm to be able to make ends meet," Stephanie Levasseur, vice-president of the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), Quebec farmers' union, told CTV News.

In the world of agriculture, efficiency and technology play pivotal roles in defining success. Enter the Case IH AF11 combine, a breakthrough in harvesting capacity and efficiency. Leo Bose, Case IH’s North American Marketing Manager, introduces this impressive machine, with loads of capacity, technology, and runtime that promises to redefine harvesting operations. At the heart of the AF11's unmatched efficiency lies its formidable engine. With 775 horsepower, it supports a 567-bushel capacity, enabling it to manage more acres per day at reduced costs. This powerhouse also boasts a rapid six bushel per second unload rate, highlighting its capacity prowess. However, the AF11's innovation doesn't stop at raw power. Embedded technology within the cab introduces a new era of machine automation. This includes fully automated adjustments to the combine's cutting mechanisms, as well as an innovative cleaning and residue management systems. These advancements are propelled further by residue automation equipped with radar technology, ensuring optimal spread regardless of environmental conditions. Runtime efficiency is another cornerstone of the AF11's design. By optimizing fuel consumption—reducing engine RPM from 2100 to 1900—the AF11 exemplifies efficiency, cutting down on fuel usage without sacrificing performance. Bose explains more in the complete video shown at the end of this article. For nearly half a century, axial flow combines have set the benchmark for harvesting equipment. The AF11 continues this legacy, representing the culmination of 46 years of innovation. It not only meets but exceeds expectations, offering unparalleled efficiency, technological advancements, and operational cost savings. Watch the video below to learn about the AF11 Series.

In an urgent appeal, Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner, Deputy Leader Aislinn Clancy, local farmers, and Wilmot Township community members have come together to challenge a rezoning plan that threatens 770 acres of valuable farmland. This collective effort aims to protect the land located between Nafziger Road, Bleams Road, and Wilmot Centre Road from being repurposed for an undisclosed project. Aislinn Clancy highlighted the significance of safeguarding farmland, stating, “A threat to farmland anywhere is a threat to farmland everywhere.” She further emphasized the importance of preserving the region's prime agricultural land to prevent irreversible loss. The group has voiced concerns over the diminishing farmland in Ontario, with Mike Schreiner pointing out that the province is losing 319 acres of farmland daily. This loss is alarming, considering only five percent of Ontario’s land is arable and vital for sustaining the province's $50 billion food and farming industry. The leaders argue for reconsideration of the project location to avoid compromising Ontario's food security. Clancy also criticized the recent trend of urban boundary expansions under the Ford government, labeling it as a direct assault on traditional land planning and zoning practices. She accused the current administration of facilitating these expansions at the cost of agricultural land. The Ontario Greens pledge to work collaboratively across party lines to counteract forced boundary expansions and to secure the preservation of prime farmland for future generations. Their campaign underscores the critical need for sustainable land management practices that prioritize agricultural preservation over urban development, ensuring the long-term viability of Ontario's food production capabilities and economic prosperity in the agricultural sector.

Join us for an illuminating episode of “Swine Insights” as we engage in a captivating conversation with Dr. Jeff Bergermann. In this episode, Dr. Bergermann, renowned in the swine industry, takes us on a journey through his background, passion for swine, and his role at Zoetis, where innovation meets veterinary medicine.Uncover the story behind Jeff’s connection with Olysky and explore the roots of his deep-seated passion for swine. Learn why he chose swine over other species and gain insights into the world of veterinary medicine through his role at Zoetis. Dr. Bergermann imparts invaluable veterinary advice, emphasizing the importance of preventive care, regular health checks, vaccination protocols, and early illness detection. Delve into the buzz around Circovirus, the evolving strains of PCV2.

The contraction of the Canadian swine herd persists into 2024. Despite higher-than-expected sow productivity in 2023, larger slaughter and export figures have led to a decrease of 140,000 head in the beginning hog inventory compared to the previous year. To put this into perspective, the Canadian swine herd had already shrunk by 265,000 head between January 2022 and January 2023. In another indication of this trend, the beginning sow stocks display a two percent reduction in the sow herd at the start of 2024, marking the lowest January 1 sow numbers since 2015. Additionally, there has been a two percent decline in the number of farms reporting hogs compared to January 1, 2023, suggesting a continued exodus of producers from the industry. This ongoing consolidation is further underscored by a slight increase in the average number of animals on remaining operations.

nsition for Ro-Main, Jacquelin Labrecque has been appointed as the new CEO of the company, succeeding Serge Labrecque who served as CEO for 25 years. The announcement was made during a private event attended by family and staff members. Serge Labrecque, co-founder and outgoing CEO of Ro-Main, passes on the torch to Jacquelin Labrecque, a second-generation member of the family. With 13 years of experience within the company, Jacquelin Labrecque brings a fresh and innovative perspective to the role. Having served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Product Officer (CPO) prior to his appointment, Jacquelin Labrecque’s strategic vision and technological expertise are poised to drive Ro-Main forward in the realm of precision livestock farming. Under Serge Labrecque’s leadership, Ro-Main flourished into an industry leader renowned for its innovative solutions in swine and poultry farming. His decision to transition to the role of Executive Vice President coincides with the company’s 25th anniversary, marking a pivotal moment for Ro-Main as it embraces a new era of leadership and technological advancement. Expressing confidence in Jacquelin’s capabilities, Serge Labrecque remarked, “I am proud of what we have accomplished at Ro-Main over the years. I am convinced that Jacquelin is the best person to guide the company to new heights.”

Contraction in the Canadian swine herd continues in 2024,according to a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report. Higher than anticipated sow productivity in 2023 partially offset larger slaughter and export numbers with the beginning hog inventory down 140,000 head compared to 2023; comparatively, the Canadian herd contracted by 265,000 head from January 2022 to January 2023. Beginning sow stocks show a 2% reduction in the sow herd to begin 2024, representing the smallest January 1 sow numbers since 2015. The number of farms reporting hogs declined 2% compared to January 1, 2023, indicating that producers continue to exit the industry. As a signal of ongoing industry consolidation, the average number of animals on remaining operations increased slightly. The fall in sow inventories is not equal across Canada for 2024. Canadian sow herd reduction has beendriven by reductions in Eastern Canada, largely as a result of processing reductions, while Western Canada saw a slight increase to their sow herd beginning in 2024. This occurred despite the fact thatOlymel idled five sow barns located in Western Canada, removing an estimated 16,000 head from production. Olymel’s restructuring has also impacted processing capacity in Eastern Canada where atthe end of 2023, Olymel closed its Vallée-Jonction plant in Quebec. Despite the Olymel closure and signalled reductions in purchasing, it appears that producers in Eastern Canada, especially Quebec, havebeen slower to reduce production, reportedly resulting in a backlog of market-ready hogs. Sow productivity has likely also played a factor. Sow productivity reached a new high in 2023 based onthe Statistics Canada pig crop data. Fewer disease issues likely factored strongly in this improved productivity as PEDv control appears much improved. Sources indicate that strong productivity is alsoanticipated for 2024. As a result, FAS/Ottawa is raising the 2024 pig crop forecast to 29.4 million. This would represent a two percent reduction compared to 2023. However, Quebec producers will remainunder pressure to reduce production further. It is estimated that production in Quebec needs to be cut by 15% to adjust to reduced processing capacity. The Quebec herd in total was down 5% tobegin 2024. Quebec and Ontario market hogs have been finding shackle space in the United States and ifproducers continue to see value in this trade flow, reduction efforts may be mitigated.

The BC/Yukon region has its national representatives in this year’s Outstanding Young Farmers competition. Tristan and Aubyn Banwell of Spray Creek Ranch near Lillooet won their regional event in March and move on to the national competition in November. Since they started the farm in 2014, the Banwells have transitioned about 500 acres into organic certification. Spray Creek Ranch is now “a certified organic and diversified regenerative farm using ecological principles to produce wholesome, delicious, pastured meats,” the farm’s website says. The Banwells raise beef cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. In addition, they are in the process of developing an on-farm abattoir and meat shop. “As we complete our licensing in 2024, our shop will allow us to process all our own livestock, as well as offer custom slaughter and butchery services to other farms in our region,” the farm’s site says. Tristan and Aubyn also operate a side business called Grounded Grazing. Grounded Grazing helps peers implement rotational grazing practices, and they a

The Executive Director of the Swine Health Information Center reports 43 research proposals submitted in response to its 2024 Plan of Work Competitive Call for proposals are now under review. In January the Swine Health Information Center issued a formal request for research proposals to address 11 of 36 research priorities and topics outlined in its 2024 Plan of Work. SHIC Executive Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder says the call received an outstanding response. Quote-Dr. Megan Niederwerder-Swine Health Information Center: We received a total of 43 proposals across 21 different institutions both in the U.S. and in Canada.These included academic institutions, government institutions as well as private institutions.We received a great proposal response and a lot of diversity and breadth of topics that are being covered. Most of these topics and proposals have a timeline of between six to twelve months and a budget between 50 thousand to 150 thousand. The proposals are currently undergoing review for aspects of the proposals such as the value to pork producers, the cost effectiveness of the technology that's being investigated, the chance of success as well as the experimental design or methodology regarding the conclusions of the proposals.We're also looking at cost budget justification as the time frame being justified. Dr. Niederwerder says the proposals are now being evaluated by a task force made up of Swine Health Information Center Working Group members, other swine sector stakeholders such as pork producers, swine veterinarians, academic faculty members, allied industries and private company representatives.She expects that evaluation to be completed by the end of this month.Full details can be found at swinehealth.org.

Information being collected by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine from pork producers and their veterinarians will be used to create a new tool to assist in making business management decisions related to animal welfare. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine has launched a study under which pork producers and veterinarians are being interviewed about management decisions that influence animal welfare and how that relates to business sustainability. Dr. Yolande Seddon, an Associate Professor Swine Welfare and Behavior with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Swine Welfare, says respondents are being asked about how various aspects of animal management relate to animal welfare, production and other business sustainability goals, including how this impacts staff well being. Quote-Dr. Yolande Seddon-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: We are taking the information that we learn from interviews and we are combining it with information that we have already collected from published literature in order to evaluate the relationships between management practices and their impact on animal welfare and how it impacts other business metrics of production and sustainability. Together this information from the interviews and the literature will be used to develop a decision-making tool that will be used by the industry to understand the relationships between animal management business decisions on animal welfare and how it can impact performance and wider sustainability goals such as environmental impacts. An additional benefit of these interviews is that it is enabling us to actually capture the first-hand experiences of the industry in managing and making decisions over animal welfare, including a number of things that are quite challenging to put in practice.This is simply not being captured in scientific literature and it's really valuable to hear the industry's side of the story on this because its typically not heard. Dr. Seddon says the focus is to learn about what producers and their veterinarians are seeing in practice when making management decisions and how it influences the overall business model.

The Chair of the Canadian Pork Council says pig farmers on both sides of the Canada U.S. border are equally disappointed with the restrictive nature and lack of flexibility of labelling guidelines being introduced under U.S. voluntary country of origin labelling. On March 11 U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced voluntary country of origin labelling or V-COOL will come into effect by January 1, 2026. Under the new U.S. voluntary country of origin labelling "Product of USA" or "Made in the USA" may only appear on the labels of meat, poultry and egg products when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. Canadian Pork Council Chair René Roy says the only difference between the new labelling protocol and mandatory U.S. country of origin labelling, which was ruled illegal by the World Trade Organization and abandoned by the U.S., is that the name has changed. Quote-René Roy-Canadian Pork Council: We are disappointed as an organization that the United States or the USDA has not accepted our position that more flexibility would have been allowed in the V-COOL.What would change with the new system is that, if somebody wants to have the "Product of USA" on their label they would have to not only have a product that has been made in the USA but also all the other components of it must be included so it has to be raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States if we speak about pork. So, it's quite a restrictive label and not realistic considering how great is the trade between Canada and the United States as we speak about pork.This is not only our position but also the U.S. industry position and the Government of Canada so that's a disappointment for us.The position that the United States has taken on this file is disappointing. Roy says the Canadian Pork Council will be monitoring the impact of V-COOL on the movement of both meat and live animals and working with the Canadian government to ensure any disruptions are addressed.

A new tool being developed by the University of Saskatchewan is using artificial intelligence to assess indicators of on farm animal welfare at the abattoir. The University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, with funding provided through the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Swine Welfare research program, have developed an automated swine welfare assessment system consisting of a digital security camera linked to an artificial intelligence processor and placed in the abattoir. Dr. Seokbum Ko, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, explains the camera records pigs as they move along the processing line and condensed AI models extract and assess images indicative of animal welfare. Quote-Dr. Seokbum Ko-University of Saskatchewan: Our goal is autonomous detection of lesions categorizing them by type and severity and generating individual lesion reports.Data will produce the reports for both abattoirs and farms showing lesion prevalence in pig shipments.Regarding the technology's capability to evaluate lesions, we are witnessing increasing progress. The AI models are displaying improved accuracy in identifying and categorizing lesions on pig carcasses.Yet several factors impact this ability.Firstly, the quality and quantity of data utilized for training significantly influences performance.A diverse dataset with ample images representing various lesion types and severity is crucial for effective training. Secondly the complexity of lesions can pose challenges for accurate detection, especially subtle or irregularly shaped ones.More over environmental factors like lighting conditions in the abattoir can affect image quality and consequently lesion detection accuracy.Optimizing camera placement and lighting is essential to ensure clear and consistent images for analysis. Dr. Ko says the next step is to refine the computer models to ensure the delivery of more precise results.

Research conducted by the Western College of veterinary Medicine is expected to lead to the development of new approaches to prevent or treat ear tip necrosis. A study conducted by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine has shown ear tip necrosis, a condition where the tip of the ear turns necrotic leading to partial or complete loss of the ear, is caused by a bacterium introduced when the skin is broken. Dr. Matheus Costa, an Assistant Professor with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and an adjunct professor with Utrecht University, says virtually all pigs carry this bacterium and, if one pig chews on another other pig's ear, that will inoculate the ear. Quote-Dr. Matheus Costa-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: It usually begins with some reddening on the ear tip but it moves to necrosis so the tissue starts to rot and die to the point that sometimes pigs become mutilated and they completely lose their ear.That is a very severe case.It's not always like that.Sometimes it's just the ear tip that may necrotise, sometimes it's the whole ear and obviously that is a big animal welfare and heath issue. From an animal health perspective, whenever necrosis starts there is an open wound and that breaks the defence barriers in the skin so the moment the skin is no longer protecting the body anything on the environment can jump in and invade the host so animals are susceptible to infection.Something as simple as Strep suis can come in and cause disease just because there's an open door.Studies have shown that productivity may not be directly affected by ear necrosis, so simply having ear necrosis does not mean that a pig will not gain weight as fast. It's not the primary cause of poor weight gain and performance but it does open the door to other infections and those infections are the ones that will come in and essentially make them not perform as well, lower growth, have other infections or may even require further treatment or something else. Dr. Costa says now that we know this condition is caused by a bacterium we can potentially develop antibiotic therapies to treat the condition or even vaccines to prevent it.

The Alberta government is providing farmers flexibility when it comes to truck licensing. As of April 1, and after the successful completion of a Class 1 test and other necessary components, eligible farmers and family members can apply for a farm-restricted Class 1 license and skip mandatory entry-level training (MELT). Drivers who wish to obtain air brake and other endorsements must complete those courses. Under this farm-restricted license, farmers and family members can operate a Class 1 vehicle with a “P” condition code, meaning they must comply with farm restrictions. Eligible family members include spouses, children, parents, aunts, uncles and nieces. Drivers can operate Class 1 vehicles, include tractor trailers, within the province of Alberta and for farming purposes. These purposes include deliveries of farm products, grains or farm produce to a farmer’s farm, or to a market. Materials and equipment intended for farm use can be transported as well. Alberta has more than 149,000 licensed Class 1 drivers, but only about 31 per cent drive trucks, government data says.

In an urgent appeal, Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner, Deputy Leader Aislinn Clancy, local farmers, and Wilmot Township community members have come together to challenge a rezoning plan that threatens 770 acres of valuable farmland. This collective effort aims to protect the land located between Nafziger Road, Bleams Road, and Wilmot Centre Road from being repurposed for an undisclosed project. Aislinn Clancy highlighted the significance of safeguarding farmland, stating, “A threat to farmland anywhere is a threat to farmland everywhere.” She further emphasized the importance of preserving the region's prime agricultural land to prevent irreversible loss. The group has voiced concerns over the diminishing farmland in Ontario, with Mike Schreiner pointing out that the province is losing 319 acres of farmland daily. This loss is alarming, considering only five percent of Ontario’s land is arable and vital for sustaining the province's $50 billion food and farming industry. The leaders argue for reconsideration of the project location to avoid compromising Ontario's food security. Clancy also criticized the recent trend of urban boundary expansions under the Ford government, labeling it as a direct assault on traditional land planning and zoning practices. She accused the current administration of facilitating these expansions at the cost of agricultural land. The Ontario Greens pledge to work collaboratively across party lines to counteract forced boundary expansions and to secure the preservation of prime farmland for future generations. Their campaign underscores the critical need for sustainable land management practices that prioritize agricultural preservation over urban development, ensuring the long-term viability of Ontario's food production capabilities and economic prosperity in the agricultural sector.