Farming in the Greenbelt has particular challenges due to its peri-urban geography as well as universal challenges faced by farmers across Southern Ontario. Through focus groups held with farmers across the Greenbelt and interviews with planners, this study documented farmers' concerns.

This included:
-a general lack of understanding and appreciation for agriculture among the public and elected officials
-the multiplicity and layers of regulations
-inconsistencies in interpreting provincial policies and regulations across municipalities and conservation authorities
-inconsistent objectives between provincial ministries
-the cost to farmers associated with meeting the requirements of various regulations.

Along with their frustrations, many farmers also acknowledge the importance of keeping prime agricultural land protected from development which the Greenbelt policies support. They identified a number of benefits and opportunities, such as being able to proceed with business investments knowing that the land surrounding them will remain undeveloped and that they have the advantage of being in close proximity to the country's largest and most diverse market.

Read the full report: