Greenlands Centre Wellington Community Visions Workshop

What is your vision for the future of agriculture in TCW?

Agricultural land needs to be preserved -- farmers feed us
TCW agricultural land is all designated “prime”. Perhaps we need to change this so that high production land is “prime” and other land is “secondary”. Prime land would be protected from development.
There would need to be a system of protecting existing farmland
Farming is moving from extensive to intensive.
Future diversity of land use ensuring roadways integration (vis a vis land use)
Roadways: how to improve infrastructure and balance with agriculture needs
Would rebuilding railways protect farmland? There was some discussion about the termination of railways as a result of the just-in-time delivery needs of industry, which is best met by trucking.
Could the establishment of localized food processing be an answer?

What is required to protect farmland in TCW?

Can development be a positive answer for agricultural preservation? Ag lands are green spaces – they are calming (scenery)
Local food needs to be part of the plan
Then there was a reality check: food will move in and out of the area – distributions centres are located in major population areas and major grocery chains do not buy locally.
How do we make farmland economically viable?
We need a national food safety policy
Government subsidies are for short term protection – a long term solution is needed
If agricultural land is designated prime and can’t be developed, should there be a national policy for passing the land on (e.g. governments buy and sell the land). This was discussed in relation to the complaints from farmers in the green belt who suddenly saw their retirement nest egg disappear.
Adopting good environmental practices to protect the land.
Can trailways be an economic resource for farmers?
We need adult education programs
Farm liaison with schools. Perhaps a list of farms that would be willing to do educational visits. Note there are some issues about school board policy re: liability.

How does the community benefit from protecting farmland in our community?

Agricultural lands serving as ecological services – water recharge areas with stocking rates – paying for this with the equivalent of carbon credits
Financial security for farmers is essential in preserving farmlands.
Less than ‘prime’ land is green land.
Municipality needs a very disciplined plan

"We should try to promote a 'local food economy' within our region"

- Workshop participant