Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the Ford government to protect farmland by passing Bill 21, the Protect Our Food Act.
In a statement celebrating Local Food Week, Schreiner thanked farmers and food supply workers, saying they “work tirelessly to bring fresh, delicious Ontario food to tables across the province.”
He warned that Ontario is losing 319 acres of farmland each day, threatening the province’s $50-billion food and farming economy.
“With Trump’s tariffs causing new uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to secure Ontario’s food sovereignty,” Schreiner said.
Bill 21, which Schreiner co-sponsored with independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, would create a permanent “Foodbelt” to protect Ontario’s most productive farmland from development.
Schreiner, who grew up on a farm and ran an organic food business, said he understands the effort that goes into feeding communities.
“This Local Food Week, we urge people to support Ontario farmers by buying local food,” he said. “And we call on the Ford government to take real action to keep Ontario food on Ontario tables.”
The Ontario Greens say passing Bill 21 is a necessary step to protect farmland, strengthen the local economy, and build long-term food security.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)