Ontario’s pitch to expand northern farming sparks questions from farmers, food security experts – CBC

May 11, 2026

Ontario’s Clay Belt farming plan puts land costs and food access in the spotlight

Ontario is pitching its plan to expand agriculture in the north and restrict foreign ownership of farmland as a way to strengthen food security and protect farmers.

But some farmers, researchers and environmental advocates say the proposed legislation leaves unanswered questions about land ownership, affordability and whether more production would improve food access in the north.

The province introduced the Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026 on April 22. The bill would limit foreign ownership of farmland and “unlock” agricultural potential in the Clay Belt — a region of fertile soil in northeastern Ontario and northwestern Quebec covering 180,000 square kilometres.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/ontario-claybelt-development-9.7192737