Farmers face challenges as area grows

The 2006 Census reports that more than 660 farms in the South Simcoe Economic Alliance Region generated more than $136 million in revenues, and provided more than 780 person years of paid work, totalling over $22 million in wages and salaries. The number of farms continues to decline as smaller operations are joined with larger farm operations, while the average age of farm operators continues to increase (51.5 years in 2001 to 53.5 years in 2006).

Continuing growth in South Simcoe is seeing a shift in the economic base from agriculture to manufacturing, and is creating new challenges for the agricultural community in South Simcoe. Increased economic development and employment opportunities are creating demand for increased housing to support industrial and commercial growth. In addition to the many benefits of a growing community, growth also sees increases in population, road traffic, demands on social and community services, infrastructure and conflicting land uses. Many of our new residents have not experienced life in a rural community, nor have they had exposure to agricultural practices.

Many of our farmers have never had to deal with the traffic levels, increased housing abutting farm fields, or concerns about agricultural practices expressed by rural and urban residents.

Challenges to managing growth and change arise when resources are stretched across varying segments of a community.

The South Simcoe Economic Alliance, a partnership of the municipalities of Adjala- Tosorontio, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Innisfil and New Tecumseth, along with Nottawasaga Futures, is embarking on an Agricultural Action Plan.

This ambitious plan is supported by partnerships with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture, New Tecumseth Farmers' Association, and NT Temps Inc.

A Task Force of local community and agriculture leaders will guide the initiative. A survey of 120 farmers and agricultural operations, using an established agricultural business retention and expansion survey developed by OMAFRA, will identify key agricultural sector issues.

An additional survey of 1,000 non-agricultural residents will identify concerns from the community.

A report will outline and identify priority concerns from both surveys. This report will be distributed and discussed at a large community meeting, where action items will be identified and potential partnerships created to work on the action items.

Sharing this information with both agricultural and non-agricultural communities will serve as a foundation for education and understanding between the two communities. Understanding the issues presently facing agriculture, the positive economic impact agriculture brings to South Simcoe and working in a cooperative, positive manner will create a stronger region for all to enjoy.

Residents and farmers of South Simcoe are encouraged to become involved in this initiative by either becoming a task force member or be willing to participate in the survey.

"It is through the cooperative efforts of the entire community that positive change can occur," says Valerie Ryan, CEO of Nottawasaga Futures.

The project will begin this month, with the final community meeting being held in late November.