2022 Farmland Forum: The Future of Farmland Diversification

Join us for the 17th annual Farmland Forum on March 24, 2022! The Forum will be held virtually so we invite guests to attend remotely from anywhere across Canada or abroad!

Discussions throughout the day will explore how humans, plants, and animals can work harmoniously to produce agricultural commodities, create ecosystem services, and combat climate change.

To start the conversation, David Phillips, CM, Senior Climatologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada will kick off the day with a keynote presentation on the status of the climate in Canada, necessary mitigation strategies and the importance of protecting land in its present state.

Branching off of this topic, Evan Fraser, PhD, Director of the Arrell Food Institute and Professor of Geography at the University of Guelph will raise awareness on global food security issues, introduce cutting-edge agri-food technology and dive further into the great challenge of sustainability.

Following these eye-opening keynote presentations, we will welcome several farmers across Ontario to the table in a panel discussion on “A Multitude of Ecosystem Services across Unique Farmland Uses”. In this panel, farmers will describe how their various agricultural operations create vital ecosystem services that contribute to the health of our environment.

In addition to this conversation, we will host a second panel discussion in which pioneers of “Sustainable Innovations in the Agricultural Sector” will discuss unique agri-food technology. Speakers in this panel will demonstrate the overall efficiency behind integrating these innovations on farms and bring attention to their many benefits.

To wrap up the day, Philly Markowitz, RPP, Economic Development Officer of Grey County, and guests will present a local perspective on community sustainability, climate change resiliency and food security for future generations.

Cost: $50, $25 for students (with valid student ID, use discount code "Student" at checkout)

If you require support accessing the event or more information, please email info@ontariofarmlandtrust.ca