supportin farm viability through the agricultural systems approach - municipal ag ec dev forum 16
TRANSCRIPT
Supporting Farm Viability Through
the Agricultural System Approach
Municipal Agricultural Economic Development Forum
Helma Geerts, MSc, MCIP, RPP, AALP
November 3, 2016
Supportive Rural
Communities Infrastructure
Jobs Productive Capacity
of the Land
Thriving agri-
food sector
Food Planning Econ Dev’t
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Overview
Share proposed approach to dovetailing economic development
and land use planning for agriculture
– Land Use Planning Context / Coordinated Plan Review
– Agricultural System
• Definition and approach to identifying the agricultural land base
and agricultural support network
• Collaborative approach
• Proposed outcomes
– Milestones and Timelines
Coordinated Plan Review Area (Greater Golden Horsehoe)
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GGH Growth
• Comprises 3.5%
of Ontario’s land
base; supports
70% of its
population
• One of North
America’s fastest
growing regions:
50% increase in
population and
40% employment
expected to 2041
• 70% of Ontario’s
GDP
• 21 upper and
single tier
municipalities; 89
lower tiers
GGH Agriculture
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• Approximately 44% of the GGH is still in agriculture
• Produces over 200 different commodities; most diverse area in Canada
• Includes Canada’s most significant tender fruit production area (Niagara)
• Between 2006 and 2011, the GGH lost 4.4 per cent of its farmland area – just over 160,000 acres (65,000
hectares) – an area larger than the City of Toronto.
• GGH area supports 7o% of Ontario food processing jobs
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Agricultural System Responds to Stakeholders
• The CPR Advisory Panel (Crombie) recommended an Agricultural System
approach to more consistently protect the agricultural land base while
strengthening agri-food viability.
• Stakeholders have encouraged an Agricultural System approach to
promote agri-food economic development and advance the GGH agri-food
sector as a leading contributor to provincial economic growth and jobs.
• The following definition is incorporated in the proposed plan amendments:
Definition: An Agricultural System is a group of inter-connected elements that
together create a viable, thriving agricultural sector. It has two components:
1. Agricultural Land Base comprised of prime agricultural areas including
specialty crop areas, and rural lands that together create a continuous
productive land base for agriculture, and
2. Agricultural Support Network, which includes infrastructure, services, and
agri-food assets important to the viability of the sector.
Process for Mapping the Agricultural Land Base
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• Complete Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) study to identify high quality agricultural areas for protection (Fall 2016). Step 1
• Prepare draft map of the agricultural land base for public consultation, based on LEAR results and other factors (Winter 2017). Step 2
• Collaborate with municipalities to adjust mapping, based on consistent criteria (Spring 2017). Step 3
• Finalize provincial mapping (Summer 2017). Step 4
• Support municipal implementation and refinements (2018-2021). Step 5
Confidential 7
Agricultural Land Base
OMAFRA is mapping the Agricultural Land Base across the 4-Plan
area, in collaboration with municipalities and other stakeholders.
The goal is continuous and consistent protection of the agricultural
land base, with the Natural Heritage System as an overlay.
Agricultural Support Network
Info on the Agricultural Support
Network will be used to maintain /
enhance the Agricultural System,
e.g.:
• Economic development initiatives
e.g. strategies/plans, investment
decisions, cluster development,
BR&E
• Local food initiatives
• Ag-focused staff/committees
• Education and awareness
• When planning for infrastructure
and growth, AIAs identify how to
avoid, minimize and mitigate
impacts on the Agricultural System
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The Agricultural Support
Network comprises the assets
and infrastructure the sector
needs to be successful e.g.:
• infrastructure (e.g. roads, ports)
• on-farm buildings and
structures (e.g. grain dryers,
cold storage facilities)
• agricultural services (e.g. feed
mills, veterinarians,
dealerships)
• farm markets and distributors
• first-level processors (e.g.
wineries, meat plants, factories)
• vibrant, agriculture-supportive
communities
See Synthesis,
2016 See GHFFA
Asset Mapping
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Proposed Outcomes
• Consistent identification of Agricultural Systems across the GGH
reflecting the area’s economically integrated, functional agri-food
system
• Alignment of policy and terminology (e.g. definitions)
• Develop an Agricultural System and Natural Heritage System for the
GGH that reinforces the synergies between the two systems
• Collaboration between government, farmers and businesses with a
common interest in a strong agri-food sector and rural economy
• Improved viability of agriculture and certainty for farmers
• Enable integrated planning that allows for protection of resources,
management of growth, planning for infrastructure and creation of
complete communities
Phased, Collaborative Approach
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Agricu
ltu
ral S
yste
m
1) Develop Agricultural System Approach and Draft Policies
(Winter-mid 2016)
2) Map the Agricultural System and prepare implementation guidelines
(Mid 2016-mid 2017)
3) Final Guidelines and Map (summer 2017)
Municipal Conformity and Refinement
(2018-2021)
Phase Engagement
CPR consultations, discussions with
key stakeholders, survey of LEAR
users, establish technical sounding
board
EBR Posting; consultation on draft
map and guidelines, collaboration
with stakeholders
OMAFRA Planners and Econ.
Development Advisors support
municipal refinement and conformity
Other Proposed Agriculturally-Supportive Policies
• Strengthened growth management for longer term protection and
greater certainty for farmers
– Density and intensification targets, strict criteria for settlement area
expansions
• Agricultural Impact Assessment requirements to reduce conflicts
between agriculture and other uses; development must avoid,
minimize and mitigate impacts on farms and agri-food assets
• Balancing natural heritage and agriculture
– Improved clarity and flexibility for agriculture in proximity to the
natural heritage system
• Harmonizing policies on permitted uses to allow prime agricultural
areas to prosper and enable diversification of the rural economy and
tax base
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Thoughts? Suggestions?
Helma Geerts
OMAFRA
1-519-826-6377
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