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THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL
PEEL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY WORKING GROUP (PAAWG) PEEL RURAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAM APPROVALS SUB-COMMITTEE
MINUTES PAAWG 2007-02
The Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group met on February 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Brampton Room, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton.
Members Present: Regional Councillor Hazel McCallion; Regional Councillor Alan Thompson; Nick Ferri (Peel Federation of Agriculture); Karen Hutchinson (Representative of a Peel Agricultural/Rural Society); Randy McLeod (Peel Soil and Crop Improvement Association Alternate); Heather Laidlaw (Peel Federation of Agriculture); Brad Romanek (Citizen-at-large)
Members Absent: Region of Peel Chair Emil Kolb (Ex-Officio); City of Brampton Councillor John Hutton; Tom Wilson (Peel Soil and Crop Improvement Association); Brian Ellsworth (Citizen-at-Large); Eugene Kotey (Citizen-at-large)
Also Present: Heather Yates (Credit Valley Conservation. Stewardship Technician); Melanie Williams (Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Project Ecologist); Dave Beaton (Credit Valley Conservation); Marsha Paley, Town of Caledon, Senior Policy Planner; Anjali Gupta, Region of Peel, Public Health Nutritionist; Simone Banz, Region of Peel, Planning Manager; David Wright, Region of Peel, Principal Planner; Colleen Ditner, Region of Peel, Junior Planner
1. Opening remarks and introduction of new PAAWG members
1.1 As the first official meeting of the 2007-2010 term, introductions of all PAAWG members occurred.
1.2 Mayor McCallion submitted correspondence she submitted to the Premier of Ontario and to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs addressing the relationship between Quebec farmers and the Quebec government and how this impacts Ontario Agriculture. The letters received can be found in Appendix I.
Letters
a) From Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga to Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Dated November 20, 2006 (2 pgs)
b) From Dalton McGunity ,Premier of Ontario to Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga, Dated November 30, 2006 (1 pg)
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c) From Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga to Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Dated January 9, 2007 (1 pg)
d) From Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga, Dated January 11, 2007 (2 pgs)
e) From Emil Kolb, Chair Region of Peel to Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga, Dated February 7, 2007 (1 pg)
Received
A discussion occurred among PAAWG members addressing the issue of Provincial assistance and competitiveness at a local, national and international market. Mayor McCallion stated that fixing the gap between the Federal and Provincial Governments is necessary before addressing the international scale. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is presently going through a public consultation process. Information and comments from all levels of Agriculture and Agri-Policy will be taken into consideration throughout the review of present agriculture policy.
1.3 Follow-up from January 17, 2007 meeting Anjali Gupta, Region of Peel, Public Health Nutritionist, reported on behalf of Gayle Bursey that a meeting will occur between The Commissioners of Health, Planning, the CAO, Gayle Bursey and David Wright in March to discuss the issue of a Food Policy Council.
2. Review and Approval of PAAWG-2007-02 Agenda
Moved by, Karen Hutchinson Seconded by, Alan Thompson;
That the agenda for the Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group meeting held on February 22, 2007 be amended to include the election of the new Chair and Vice-Chair for the new term;
That a discussion pertaining to the selling of local wine at farmers markets occurs under the section of Other Business;
That the Caledon Agriculture Advisory Committee be added under the section of Other Business;
And further, that the agenda for the Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group meeting held on February 22, 2007 be approved, as amended.
Carried PAAWG 2007-006
3. Election of a new Chair and Vice Chair.
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David Wright expressed his and PAAWG members thanks and appreciation for Nick Ferri as the PAAWG Chair during the previous term. David brought the election to order and opened the floor for nominations.
Heather Laidlaw nominated Nick Ferri as Chair for the 2007-2010 term, Seconded by Alan Thompson;
That the position of Chair of the Peel Agriculture Advisory Working Group for the 2007-2010 term will be held by Nick Ferri. Nick Ferri accepted this position.
Carried PAAWG 2007-007
David Wright opened the floor for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of PAAWG for the 2007-2010 term.
Nancy Hutchinson nominated Alan Thompson as Vice-Chair for the 2007-2010 term, Seconded by Heather Laidlaw;
That the position of Vice-Chair of the Peel Agriculture Advisory Working Group for the 2007-20010 term be held by Alan Thompson. Alan Thompson accepted this position.
Carried PAAWG 2007-008
4. Review and Approval of PAAWG 2007-01 Minutes
Moved by Heather Laidlaw, Seconded by Alan Thompson;
That the minutes of the Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group meeting held on January 17, 2007, be amended reflect that PRWQP application 04-TRCA-06, 05-TRCA-06 and 06-TRCA-06 water was tiled onto the field and not into a municipal drain;
And further, that the minutes of the Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group meeting held on January 17, 2007 be approved, as amended.
Carried PAAWG 2007-009
5. Presentation: Rebuilding the Middle – the Challenge Facing Local Food in Local Markets - Elbert Van Donkergoed Executive Director of Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Committee Received Elbert Van Donkergoed, Executive Director of the Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Committee (GTA AAC) provided a presentation on the key issues addressing agriculture within
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The presentation is available in the appendix II of the minutes.
Questions: Mayor McCallion wondered what technology has been done to improve farming.
Elbert explained that since WWII production per acre and per person has continued to rise. Technological advances has allowed farmers to increase their productivity and reduced the amount of physical labour required. Technology has also improved crop yields.
Marsha Paley asked about the source of the data identifying that ‘farms are smaller near the GTA’.
Elbert stated that the data was sourced from “Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Profile: An Update of the GTA Agricultural Economic Impact Study 1999” and the “GTA Agricultural Economic Impact Study 2003”. It is believed that production per acre is driven higher near urban areas because they contribute less to the bulk commodity production. Bulk Commodity production has a much smaller economic contribution.
Marsha Paley questioned if smaller farms would be more appropriate in Caledon.
Elbert stated that land-use change will not accomplish what is needed. Policy is needed to ensure that the land remains productive and does not convert to rural estates.
Karen Hutchinson wondered about the role of technology and if it has addressed smaller higher value farms as well as commodity low income farms.
Elbert stated that there are two forms of technology – Hard and soft technology. Soft technology greatly benefits smaller higher value farms. It assists the farmers in management and growth. Management ability contributes significantly to the success of smaller farms. In regards to hard technology, research and development has not focused its attention on smaller higher yield farms. Most of the innovation has addressed bulk commodity production.
Randy Mcleod wondered if one policy would be more appropriate for lands within the Greenbelt so that all the regions are governed by the same policies.
Elbert stated that his personal opinion was that for the Greenbelt to be a success two things need to occur. First, that a policy needs to be put into place that pays the people who live on the greenbelt for maintaining ecological goods and services; second, that the connection between agriculture and the natural environment needs to be recognized. Processes that enhance the natural environment need to occur in order for agriculture and the natural environment to complement and support each other.
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Elbert announced that a ‘Local Food Dinner’ would be occurring on Wednesday, March 28th, 2007 at the GTA AAC meeting.
6. How to encourage the growth of local food supply
Nick Ferri reported on the delegation he made on behalf of PAAWG to Council on the Regional Official Plan Review. He addressed the following issues: • Farm size and land availability • Growing awareness of local food issues among the general population • The shortage of local foods available • Encouraging new farmers and addressing the issues that are preventing the growth of new farmers
A discussion among PAAWG members occurred addressing issues which they view presently inhibit the growth of new local farms. It was questioned whether OPA 179 restricts the length of time a lease can occur and lot sizes.
It was suggested that a lot could be rented out in smaller potions to encourage local small scale agricultural production. This could encourage knowledge transfer of farming methods and crop knowledge.
Heather Laidlaw wondered how sharing of rental agricultural lands would be affected under the new farm land tax.
David Wright stated that there is a need for intensification, densification and understanding of the different types of farms. In addition, there is a need for agricultural lands to be flexible to allow for changing circumstances.
Karen Hutchinson suggested that these ideas may be appropriate for lands located within the white belt; however, policies need to be put into place to ensure that the lands remain as active agricultural lands.
Mayor Hazel McCallion asked if there were farms in Caledon that are presently not actively being farmed.
Karen Hutchinson replied stating that there are a number of agricultural lands that have been purchased by developers and that the lands are being leased to farmers.
Alan Thompson stated that due to zoning by-laws, greenhouse developers are unable to move into Caledon as they do not need 100 acres.
Marsha Paley suggested encouraging Greenhouses in Caledon to be built on less then prime agricultural land due to their use of imported soils. Alan Thompson supported statements that policies need to go hand in hand to allow for smaller lot sizes while still protecting the lands from becoming rural estate lands.
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Simone Banz reported to PAAWG members that on February 15th, 2007 Council heard delegations on the revisions of the Official Plan. The Region is about to embark on the Tenure revision of the Official Plan. A number of discussions and workshops will occur to address the issue with more appropriate policies within the region. The present Official Plan reflects policies dictated by OMAFRA with minimal input from Regional Agricultural organizations.
Nick Ferri stated that it would be appreciated if these sessions and workshops occurred during a slow time of year for farmers. The spring and fall are very busy. It was recommended that the sessions occur in the summer to allow for as much input on the development of policies by farmers as possible.
ACTION – Colleen Ditner will circulate all presentations that were given at the public meeting regarding the ROP Review to members of PAAWG.
7. PAAWG Terms of Reference Revisions
Nick Ferri reflected on comments provided by Regional Chair Emil Kolb, who attended the 2007-01 meeting on January 17th, 2007. His comments were very significant and provided much insight. As such, Nick Ferri suggests that PAAWG adapt a quorum of half of membership plus one. This will allow for PAAWG to be accountable.
Karen Hutchinson stated that previous quorum issues were due to the municipal election.
As such, alternate members that are not council members would need to be able to vote. At present this is not possible as alternative members do not have the authority to vote as outlined by the procedures that govern all committees at the Region of Peel.
Moved by Heather Laidlaw, Seconded by Alan Thompson;
That Nick Ferri will meet with the clerks department and request the alternate citizen members gain the right to act as voting members when acting in the position as an alternate.
Carried PAAWG 2007-010
8. Next Generation of Agriculture and Agri-Food Policy Consultation
Colleen Ditner informed members of PAAWG that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada was holding public consultation series entitled “Next Generation of Agriculture and Agri-Food Policy” throughout Canada.
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The following members of PAAWG stated that they would be in attendance: Nick Ferri, Alan Thompson, Melanie Williams, Heather Laidlaw, David Wright, and Colleen Ditner.
9. Re-scheduling of May 24th 2007 PAAWG meeting
Melanie Williams proposed the Thursday May 24th, 2007 (PAAWG 2007-03) meeting be reschedule to either Thursday May 31st, 2007 or Thursday June 7th, 2007.
Moved by Alan Thompson, Seconded by Nancy Hutchinson
That the PAAWG 2007-03 meeting to be held on Thursday May 24th, 2007 be changed to Thursday May 31st, 2007.
Carried PAAWG 2007-011
10. Other Business
10.1 Introduction of Caledon Agricultural Advisory Committee (CAAC)
Marsha Paley informed PAAWG members that the Town of Caledon is forming a Caledon Agricultural Advisory Committee. An article is presently in ‘Ontario Farmer’ calling for applications for citizen representatives. The Terms of Reference are presently being drafted. The Town of Caledon does not want CAAC to duplicate the work of PAAWG but to compliment it. At this time Marsha will bring minutes from CAAC to PAAWG meetings.
Nick Ferri wondered if it would be good to have a member of CAAC as a member of PAAWG.
Marsha stated that members are available to be on CAAC and PAAWG. However, this may be limited as cross-pollination between the two groups may already be high and at this point specifying a member of CAAC as a member of PAAWG is not necessary.
10.2 Selling of wine a local farmers markets
Nick Ferri brought to the attention of PAAWG members the present prohibition against the selling locally produced wines at local farmers markets.
Moved by Hazel McCallion, Seconded by Heather Laidlaw; That PAAWG supports the selling of locally produced wines at local farmers markets.
Carried PAAWG 2007-012
10.3 New Update
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David Wright brought to the attention of PAAWG members the following recent documents: • Caring for the Moraine Project • Agricultural Adaptation Council – 2007 annual report • GTA AAC local food list – e-mailing list
10.4 Farmers Markets and Locally Grown Food
Hazel McCallion stated that she would like to know the position of PAAWG on the issue of non-local food being sold at local Farmers markets. She had received a letter from the Farmers Market Association of Ontario addressing this issue with Square One Farmers Market.
Karen Hutchinson stated the PAAWG presently does not have a position but they do support the selling of locally grown food at local Farmers Markets.
A discussion occurred on the Farmers Market Association of Ontario farmers markets that are to be opening this spring. Comments were made about petitioning the Provincial government to promote the ‘Foodland Ontario’ campaign. A suggestion was made regarding the creation of ‘Pride of Peel’ to promote locally grown food and to market it.
Randy McLeod suggested ‘branding’ grown in peel. This could be done through the development of a sticker.
10.5 Peel Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Randy reported to PAAWG that the Peel Soil and Crop Improvement Association wants to establish a demonstration farm and is in the process of applying for funding from the Greenbelt Fund.
Marsha wondered if letters of support would assist in funding the application. Randy stated that they were not needed at this time.
10.6 Ontario Strawberry Growers Nick Ferri reported that he would be talking to the Ontario Strawberry Growers about the Grown in Peel guide to assist them in developing marketing ideas.
11. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
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PEEL RURAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAM APPROVALS SUB-COMMITTEE
12. Opening remarks
Melanie Williams reported that the PRWQP funding recipients have stated that they are willing to be involved in media promotion of the PRWQP funding.
Simone Banz asked if there was a way to connect the PRWQP to the demonstration farm that is proposed by the PSCIA and if there is a funding opportunity for them.
Randy stated that the PSCIA would be interested in looking into this cross promotion.
13. Review and Approval of agenda for PRWQP
Melanie Williams requested to defer the discussion of the PRWQP Terms of Reference to the next PAAWG meeting.
Representatives from the Conservation Authorities, PAAWG Chair and Vice-Chair, Regional Planning representative and a representative from the Clerks department will meet to discuss the contents of the Terms of Reference.
It was agreed that the discussion of the PRWQP Terms of Reference would be deferred.
The agenda was agreed upon with the omission of the Terms of Reference discussion.
14. PRWQP Terms of Reference revisions review
Differed to 2007-03
15. Multiple funding sources & Beneficial Management Practices
Melanie Williams provided documents and an overview of funding that is presently occurring in addition to the PRWQP. Presently PRWQP ‘tops up’ the funding of other programs so that the overall funding does not exceed 80% of the project cost.
PRWQP funding was initiated before the development of the Environmental Farm Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine and the Greenbelt Fund. PRWQP does not want to exceed the 80% funding for the entire project so that the farmers have a feeling of ownership of the project.
Grants are presently a taxable income and thus even 100% funding is not truly 100% funding when taxable income is taken into consideration.
Randy McLeod stated that a number of farmers are not economically stable and that they may not be able to contribute the remaining 20% of the required funds.
Karen Hutchinson stated that because of the factors that are used to base the funding decisions on, it is not possible to base decisions on the financial situation of the applicant.
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David Wright inquired to see if there is a real need for the PRWQP funding or if it is a perceived need.
Dave Beaton responded that yes there is a need, although there is no quantifiable statistical data available.
Simone Banz inquired if there may be another opportunity or need that we are not aware of and should focus on since other forms of funding are available to address water quality issues.
David Wright inquired if hiring a consultant to determine the need would be appropriate.
Dave Beaton and Melanie Williams believe that the conservation authorities have the skills needed to do this form of research ‘in house’.
Marsha asked about source water protection and well heads and if there are any actions presently occurring to protect the sources.
Simone stated that the Region is presently performing a well-head mapping in 3D which will include the identification of threats to sources. Farming operations are presently grandfathered and if the uses could possibly threaten the water, monitoring wells are put into place to determine the threat level.
Alan Thompson stated that PAAWG needs to educate and create a greater level of trust with local farmers. Presently farmers feel if they act progressively on aspects there are then negative repercussions for their actions.
Nick Ferri stated that it would be beneficial to farmers to receive financial reimbursement to take significant land out of production. This could occur through carbon credits.
Dave Beaton stated that the Conservation Authorities had hopped for a greater uptake of the PRWQP funding than has presently occurred and is looking into alternative ways that would enhance uptake.
Alan Thompson stated that the program should wait to see the results of this coming year. It is possible that up take of the program will occur. It was suggested that a possible direction for the program could be environmental cost share programs that provide funding for the feeding of geese and deer.
Melanie suggested testing ‘deer plots’ to attract deer away from crops that they may be damaging and toward other areas where their impact would not be great.
Marsha stated that she knows a contact person who is part of the British program and suggested that we could tie aspects of the environmental and goods and services together.
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The issue of environmental improvements on leased land was discussed by members of PAAWG. The key issue appears to be that if the land is owned by a non-farmer (and thus they do not have an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) #) they cannot apply for funding. Funding can only be applied for by farmers who have an EFP # and thus the leasing farmer may apply for funding for environmental improvements to occur on the land that they are leasing. The issue with this arrangement occurs because the funding that the leasing farmer received is then viewed as taxable income and the leasing farmer is penalized for environmental improvements that have occurred on land that they do not own.
It was suggested that an agreement could occur between the land owner and the leasing farmer so the leasing farmer is not penalized for implementing environmental actions on the land.
The difficulty with this issue occurs when there is not an agreeable relationship or long-term lease between the land owner and the leasing farmer.
PAAWG members stated that it is necessary to address this issue. This issue could be an area that the PRWQP funding could directly address and support.
Alan Thompson stated that in situations as such, it is necessary to make rules into guidelines so that the situations can be worked out and funded to benefit all.
Karen Hutchinson reminded PAAWG members of the strict reminder from Regional Chair Emil Kolb of accountability for providing public funding.
Moved by Heather Laidlaw, Seconded by Alan Thompson,
That guidelines are brought forward at the next PAAWG meeting to be adopted regarding the issue of environmental improvements on land owned by a non- farmer but leased to a farmer.
Carried PRWQP 2007-006
16. Other Business
A discussion of the development of a 2007 Farm Tour will occur at the next meeting.
17. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.