Amidst the serene landscapes of Prince Edward County, the Hazell and Klassen Farm stands as a testament to the coexistence of agriculture and nature.
The farm is a 94-acre property nestled just off the shores of Lake Ontario, near North Beach Provincial Park. This property, known locally as Stonefield Eden Alpacas, contains productive and valuable farmland and is also home to important natural features and wildlife habitat. The agricultural land is primarily comprised of Class 3 soil, which is considered to be prime agricultural land and that is crucial to protect.
What sets the Hazell and Klaassen Farm apart is its commitment to sustainability. Off the grid, the farm relies solely on wind and solar energy. Its landscape is as diverse as it is stunning, including a hardwood woodlot, a creek, and a natural beach that is intertwined with pastures. The farm is home to a herd of alpacas whose fleece is sold to artisans who are able to use it to create yarn and fibre arts.
Wetlands, shorelines, creeks, and forests are interspersed with the hay fields and pastures on the farm, resulting in a scenic and ecologically rich property. Such a diverse landscape provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including species at risk like Barn Swallow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Piping Plover, Midland Painted Turtle, and Monarch. The natural areas on this farm are connected to the regional natural heritage system, furthering their conservation value.
Dee Hazell is a retired nurse who is dedicated to farmland protection. Living in Prince Edward County, a popular tourist destination in Ontario, Peter and Dee have seen a significant amount of farmland lost to urban development, including on the property adjacent to theirs, less than 100 meters from the boundary of her farm. Aggregate mining is also a threat to this property, as active aggregate operations are less than one kilometer from the property’s fertile fields.
Dee and Peter want to be a part of the solution, and are happy to know that protecting the farm will help strengthen the local agricultural system, prevent development in the area, and keep the farmland available for the next generation of farmers. This property serves as a reminder that through stewardship and dedication, we can forge a more harmonious relationship with the land.
This farm marks the sixth permanently protected farm in Prince Edward County, enhancing the strength of this protected land base.
Placing a farmland easement on the Hazell and Klaassen Farm will not only ensure the agricultural land remains for agriculture, it also protects its natural areas. According to the 2021 agricultural census, PEC has lost 34,706 – or 23% – of its farmland since 2006. The 375 farms in PEC generated over $125 million in farm cash receipts in 2023, while approximately 25% sell directly to consumers either through farm stands, farmers’ markets, or CSA programs. Protecting the agricultural sector in PEC is vital for the economy, healthy communities, food security, and the environment.