FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Guelph, ON – The Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) is set to host its annual Farmland Forum on March 19, 2026, bringing together experts and advocates from across the province to Elora, Ontario, at The GrandWay Events Centre. This full-day hybrid event will offer both in-person and online participation.
Building on the growing number of Canadians raising concerns about farmland loss and food security, this year’s theme, Municipalities and Farmland Protection, highlights the critical role municipalities and local decision-makers play in safeguarding farmland. The day will feature a revitalized program shaped by past attendee feedback, designed to foster meaningful learning, collaboration, and forward-thinking dialogue in support of a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector.
“With municipal elections taking place across six Canadian provinces this year, there has never been a more important time to engage,” says Martin Straathof, Executive Director of the Ontario Farmland Trust. “Communities care deeply about protecting the land that feeds us. This Forum is about helping people feel informed, confident, and prepared to participate in local municipal discussions and decision-making around farmland protection. There is tremendous power in community-level engagement. When residents, farmers, and local leaders come together to speak up, their collective voice can meaningfully shape planning decisions and influence the future of Ontario’s agricultural sector. That impact simply cannot be overlooked.”
The Farmland Forum will feature a keynote address by Rene Van Acker, President of the University of Guelph; a farmer-centred panel discussion; and informative sessions led by leaders in agriculture and land-use planning. Attendees, both in-person and virtual, will have opportunities to participate in knowledge-sharing and thought-provoking discussions, making this a unique space for collaboration.
A highlight of the day will be an action-oriented workshop delivered by The Community Company, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming Canada’s non-profit and charitable sectors through innovation and collaboration. This lively facilitated session will guide participants in transforming the day’s insights into a practical engagement plan they can carry back to their communities, ensuring that learning translates into action long after the Forum concludes.
For over two decades, the Ontario Farmland Trust has been dedicated to protecting Ontario’s farmlands and associated agricultural, natural, and cultural features through land securement, stewardship, policy research, and education. By convening thought leaders and changemakers at the Farmland Forum, OFT continues to advance its mission of securing Ontario’s agricultural future.
Tickets are selling fast! Register and explore the event details at: ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/forum
For media inquiries, please contact:
Martin Straathof, Executive Director
[email protected]
519-781-3276
-30-