Re: Farmland Security Act: a legislative framework to restrict foreign acquisition of Ontario farmland

May 22nd, 2026

Hon. Trevor Jones

1 Stone Road West, 

Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4Y2

Re: Farmland Security Act: a legislative framework to restrict foreign acquisition of Ontario farmland

Dear Minister Jones,

The National Farmers Union-Ontario (NFU-O) is an accredited farm organization representing sustainable farmers in Ontario and has advocated for farmers across Ontario since 1969. Members work together to achieve agricultural policies that ensure dignity and income security for farmers, while protecting and enhancing rural environments for current and future generations.

The NFU-O commends the province’s commitment to supporting domestic food production and food independence. We have long advocated for provincial land grabbing prevention legislation, and believe that Ontario has an opportunity to catch up to provinces like Alberta, Quebec and P.E.I., and set the stage for future agricultural prosperity and food sovereignty in times of global pressure. 

Farmland is for Food Production

Though NFU-O supports farmland grab prevention legislation, solely targeting foreign land ownership is a misdiagnosis of the farmland grab issue. While data is largely unavailable to the public, trends from northern Ontario show patterns of farmland expansion and consolidation driven by a number of large-scale, capitalized Canadian farm operators, and some domestic farmland investment firms – not foreign buyers. 

The NFU-O advocates for FSA regulations that prevent both foreign and domestic land investment entities from purchasing and speculating on Ontario farmland. Quebec has provided for agricultural land base protections with Bill 86, An Act to ensure the long-term preservation and vitality of agricultural land, which restricts and penalizes speculative land purchases by investment companies and non-farmers, foreign or domestic, and is designed to preserve agricultural zoning and keep land in the hands of active agricultural producers. If Ontario legislation only restricts foreign ownership, but allows domestic speculative farmland investment purchases, the province will fail to realize the objective of this legislation – food sovereignty and food independence.  

Agricultural Development in Northern Ontario’s Clay Belt Region

The NFU-O is supportive of increased public land access for Ontario’s next generation of farmers, and for utilizing our agricultural soils to feed Ontarians. The government’s Northern Ontario Clay Belt region agricultural development proposed under Bill 109, the Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026 focuses on export-oriented production, which does not increase access to fresh food for people in the region. We advocate that new public agricultural land works to meet the true definition of food sovereignty – the right of peoples and communities to define their own agricultural and food systems. 

Provide for transparent decision making by undertaking assessments and developing mitigation plans for (1) Indigenous perspectives and needs through consultation consistent with the Duty to Consult and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), (2) Economic investments required to realize this vision, including transitioning clay soil to agriculturally viable soil, through drainage, infrastructure, suppliers, processors, roads, etc., (3) A clear plan for provincial government investment, so as not to pass costs down to municipalities, and (4) Environmental considerations, as directed by the Class EA for MNRF Resource Stewardship & Facility Development Projects. 

Increase public land opportunities for all farmers & support real food sovereignty by ensuring that smaller plots (<150 acres) are included in the agricultural land pre-determination process to include domestic-market oriented farmers in planning. Additionally, provide clear public-facing information on site-specific features like water access, on or off-site housing, soil quality, infrastructure, road access, drainage, and nearby processing facilities for Clay Belt agricultural plots.

Conclusion

The NFU-O is supportive of legislation that protects Ontario farmland from speculation and consolidation – foreign or domestic. We advocate for transparent decision making for any new agricultural development, and that public agricultural land provides next generation farmers land access opportunities that help overcome land cost barriers. We urge the government to work towards true food sovereignty by providing support for all agriculture – which requires specific attention to under-supported smaller-scale farmers who play an essential role in feeding Ontarians. 

Sincerely, 

Josh Suppan

NFU-O President

president@nfuontario.ca

(705) 738-3993 #2