The mission of the Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) is to protect and preserve Ontario farmlands and associated agricultural, natural and cultural features of our valued rural life.

And the OFT does this through a combination of land securement, farm policy research, and education.

Last year, as chair of our community and economic development commission , I was fortunate to attend their educational and impressive Annual Farmland Forum in Orillia.

Consequently, I’m honoured to share with your readers that this forum is now coming to Prince Edward County.

It will be held this April 5 at our Wellington and District Community Centre; and is proudly co-hosted by The County through the commission, the Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture, the Prince Edward Chamber of Commerce, and the Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association.

The theme of this Ontario Farmland Trust gathering is “Building Farmland Viability in Ontario”. Expert speakers will discuss British Columbia’s experience in farmland protection, successful planning strategies and tools, provincial policy supports and agri-business diversification incentives, do a little “future-casting”, and tackle a range of other farm-related topics.

Of course more details are available at https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca Importantly, support for students or young and/or new Prince Edward County farmers that may require financial assistance to attend this Ontario Farmland Forum, is available.

Bill Roberts

Sophiasburgh