Agriculture also has a bright future in the north. Farming is the quintessential rural land use requiring large tracts of land and adequate separation from nearby sensitive uses. With soaring land prices in Southern Ontario, many farmers have looked north. The Mennonites have sought the cheaper pastures of the north and relocated to the region, bringing unique farming practices and products. In fact, they indicated that the agricultural lands east of the Sault, had been more productive than originally anticipated.
Demand for locally sourced food is also on the rise, as it is often fresher as well as grown with fewer chemicals and fertilizers, and not transported large distances from farm to table. Smaller farms located closer to markets are more environmentally sustainable than very large farms located at significant distances from markets.
The agriculture industry can also lead to numerous spin-offs and value added activities that can further bolster the local economy. A thriving agricultural sector develops a strong sense of local pride and tourism related activities, such as the Cherry Festival in Traverse City and various pancake breakfasts and tours offered by local maple syrup producers.
Much like other rural land uses, agricultural activities can be significantly impacted by unchecked rural residential development. Every new rural residential lot makes a larger rural lot with agricultural potential smaller and creates a new nearby sensitive land use that can impact a farmer’s ability to have livestock. Current provincial regulations require all new and expanding livestock facilities to be a specified distance away from all nearby dwelling units.
At present, small scale farming is not necessarily profitable. Some local farmers have been forced to sever a portion of their lot and sell it for residential uses to generate revenues. Current Official Plan and Zoning regulations allow for on-site markets where farmers can sell produce and the City has supported local farmers markets, which have seen increased success in recent years.
There is more to do! Other jurisdictions permit non-agricultural related uses to occur in association with an active farm. Things like contractor’s yards, woodworking and public storage have been expressly permitted to give small scale farmers an opportunity to generate additional revenues. As part of the new Official Plan, the City will be looking at allowing a number of appropriate non-agricultural related uses in association with active agricultural uses.
