Why is Ontario losing farmland?

In the past 35 years, Ontario has lost 2.8 million acres (18%) of its farmland to non-agricultural land uses like urbanization and aggregate mining. This is a huge problem because, as a finite and non-renewable resource, when we pave over farmland, we can never get it back.

Why is Canada losing farmland?

The research comes as Canada grapples with the fact roughly half of farmland losses is attributed to urban expansion, while the remainder represents previously farmed acres no longer in production for various reasons. “It's pretty hard to undo asphalt pavement and go back and create more farmland,” Anderson said.

Why is Ontario farmland so expensive?

He reiterates the amount of farmland in Ontario is more-or-less fixed, while the number of buyers is expanding. In this environment, Crinklaw says even small increases in demand result in higher land prices. People moving from cities to properties in smaller towns and rural areas is one pool of buyers.

How urban sprawl is destroying Ontario's farmland?

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture says the province is facing an increase in the rate of farmland loss as urban sprawl swallows up land previously used for growing. Data from the 2021 Census of Agriculture suggests Ontario is losing 319 acres of farmland daily, equal to the loss of one average family farm per day.

How much farmland has Ontario lost?

In the past 35 years, Ontario has lost 2.8 million acres (18%) of its farmland to non-agricultural land uses like urbanization and aggregate mining.

Ontario is Losing Farmland at a Rate of 319 Acres Per Day

Why is urban sprawl happening in Canada?

As a way to accommodate an ever-growing population and its need for more residential space, cities expand by building new streets that stretch outside their urban core. Single-family homes quickly fill these areas to meet the demands of people looking for more affordable and spacious housing.

How much is 100 acres worth in Ontario?

"Anything like 100 acres, you're just not going to find it for under $5 million," said Crispin Colvin, a farmer and area director of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture for Lambton and Middlesex counties.

Which province in Canada has the best farmland?

"Ontario boasts some of Canada's richest and most fertile farmland and these policy changes put the sustainability of that land and the food system it provides at great risk," the statement read.

Which Ontario town is selling lots for $10?

A small town in Northern Ontario will soon be selling plots of land for $10. Cochrane, ON is located about 8 hours north of Toronto and will be offering up 1,500 plots of land for cheap as part of its efforts to rouse the local economy and attract developers.

How much to rent an acre of land per month?

Rental prices will vary but you can typically earn around £90-110 per acre for grassland. This can be a profitable use particularly if your fields are too small to be of interest to farmers. You can earn around £350-400 per acre depending on location and facilities.

How much does 10 acres of land cost in Ontario?

The cost of an acre of land in Ontario varies depending on the location and zoning. However, on average, you can expect to pay around $4000-$5000 per acre.

Is America losing farmland?

Percent Change from 1997 to 2022

There were 8% fewer acres of land in US farms in 2022 than in 1997 (see Figure 3). Pastureland had the largest percent loss, -13%. Percent decline was roughly half as large for woodland, -6%; but only -2% for cropland.

Why is Canada not growing?

Lackluster business investment further threatens decades-long underperformance in productivity—Canada's economic scarlet letter. And, to add salt to the wound, lower immigration rates mean population growth will no longer provide the same tailwinds it did in recent years.

Where is Canada's most fertile soil?

To this day, the soil in the Holland Marsh is some of the most fertile in the country, generally consisting of 20 to 80 per cent organic material in the upper layer. With all of that organic matter, production from the Holland Marsh packs a punch.

Where is the best farmland in the world?

Which farming is most profitable in Canada?

Oilseed and grain farms are the largest and most profitable farms. Oilseed and grain farms accounted for over one-third (34.3%) of the total number of farms in Canada and led all other farm types in average farm area.

What is the average age of a farmer in Canada?

The average age of Canada's farm operators increased by 1.0 year, to 56.0 years in 2021. Meanwhile, the median age of farm operators rose by 2.0 years from the previous census, reaching 58.0 years in 2021.

Which town in Ontario is selling land for $500?

Selling lots for $500 helped Smooth Rock Falls attract families. A northern Ontario town that was decimated when its local mill shut down in 2006, has seen a recent comeback.

Is buying land in Ontario a good investment?

Land as a Long-Term Play

Its value tends to appreciate steadily, especially in desirable locations. While short-term dips may occur, history shows land recovers and often surpasses previous highs. So, if you're looking for a stable investment with long-term growth potential, land could be a good option for you.

What is the best time to buy land?

The cheapest season to buy land often aligns with colder months when there's less competition among buyers, leading to potential price drops. Conversely, summer months might see a surge in demand, especially for rural and recreational properties, affecting both availability and pricing.

What does urban sprawl mean?

Urban sprawl has been described as the unrestricted growth in many urban areas of housing, commercial development, and roads over large expanses of land, with little concern for very dense urban planning. Sometimes the urban areas described as the most "sprawling" are the most densely populated.

What percentage of Canadians live in urban areas?

The percentage of Canada's population living in urban areas stabilized at around 80 per cent. The population as a whole aged.

Why are Canada's large cities increasingly growing upward?

Canada continues to urbanize as large urban centres benefit most from new arrivals to the country. From 2016 to 2019, Canada welcomed a record high number of immigrants and more than 9 in 10 settled in CMAs.