According to the new statistics from the 2021 Census of Agriculture, the rate of farmland loss in Ontario has increased to 319 acres per day.
The total acreage of farmland in Ontario decreased from 12,348,463 in 2016 to 11,766,071 in 2021, averaging out to a decrease of approximately 319 acres of farmland lost per day during this time period. This rate of loss is almost double the 175 acres of farmland lost per day that was reported in the 2016 Census of Agriculture.
The number of farms reporting to the Census in Ontario also decreased by over one thousand in this same time period, declining from 49,600 to 48,346.
Farmland loss occurs when farmland is transitioned to non-agricultural uses, many of which permanently prevent the land from ever being used for farming again. Urbanization is one of the main culprits, as new subdivisions with low density rates are built on farmland every day throughout the province. Learn more about the impact of soil sealing in our blog about it here.
The loss of our farmland will have negative impacts on both people and the planet. Over 860,000 Ontarians are employed by the agri-food sector, which is based upon our farmland. Additionally, our farmland provides habitat for species at risk and ecosystem services that will benefit the environment both now and for generations to come.
Now more than ever, it is crucial that we protect Ontario’s limited supply of farmland. Learn how we protect farmland forever here.
Sources:
Statistics Canada. 2021. Census of Agriculture. Retrieved from Statistics Canada.
Certainly! I'm well-versed in agricultural trends and the impact of farmland loss on local ecosystems and economies. The 2021 Census of Agriculture in Ontario reveals alarming statistics indicating a rapid rate of farmland loss. The evidence presented in the Census data, comparing the total acreage of farmland from 2016 to 2021, portrays a significant decrease from 12,348,463 acres to 11,766,071 acres. This translates to an average daily loss of approximately 319 acres of farmland, nearly double the rate reported in the previous 2016 Census.
The reduction in the number of farms from 49,600 to 48,346 further underscores this concerning trend. This decline signifies a tangible shift in land use, where farmland transitions into non-agricultural purposes, primarily due to urbanization. The construction of low-density subdivisions on these erstwhile farming lands contributes significantly to the irreversible loss of fertile ground.
This situation isn't solely an economic concern; it has broader implications for both society and the environment. The agricultural sector in Ontario employs over 860,000 individuals, illustrating the direct impact of farmland on employment and the economy. Moreover, the ecological importance of farmland shouldn't be overlooked. It serves as a habitat for endangered species and provides vital ecosystem services that benefit the environment, ensuring a sustainable future for generations.
The pressing need to safeguard Ontario's dwindling farmland supply is imperative. This protection requires concerted efforts and informed strategies to preserve these vital agricultural lands indefinitely, as highlighted in discussions regarding the impact of soil sealing and initiatives aimed at protecting farmland permanently.
The Statistics Canada's Census of Agriculture serves as a primary and reliable source for these concerning trends, shedding light on the urgency to address farmland loss and its cascading effects on the environment, society, and the agricultural industry.
