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Bonnefield Financial purchase of Melancthon farmland: A Fresh Start

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Published on Thursday, 18 July 2013 15:31
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Thursday, July 18, 2013

The citizens’ groups that led the movement to protect thousands of acres of Class 1 farmland in Melancthon, Ontario welcome Bonnefield Financial to the community. Bonnefield has purchased the 6,500-acres of potato fields owned by the Highland Companies, including the land once proposed to become a 2300-acre mega quarry. After several years of uncertainty about the fate of the farmland, this is a new beginning.

The North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT), Conserve Our Rural Environment (CORE) and Citizens’ Alliance United for a Sustainable Environment (CAUSE) are pleased to hear that Bonnefield intends to continue farming the Class 1 agricultural soil. Bonnefield president, Tom Eisenhauer, has stated: “The Dufferin County transaction is the realization of a long-held dream. Here we have Canadian investors, supporting Canadian farmers to ensure that one of our most precious resources – farmland – continues to be used for farming. That’s the core of Bonnefield’s mission: farmland for farming.”

The chairman of NDACT, Carl Cosack, says he is impressed with Bonnefield’s intentions to keep this unique farmland in production. “We are grateful for Tom Eisenhauer’s commitment to sustainable, long-term agricultural practices and want to help Bonnefield succeed with these plans. It seems we share the same interests: keeping the province’s precious farmland productive for all Ontarians. This is a great outcome after seven intense years of public engagement. Food and Water First!” NDACT, CORE, CAUSE and the Melancthon community look forward to working with Bonnefield. We hope this positive development means the Melancthon fields and their bounty are preserved for future generations.

Signed,

North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT)

Conserve Our Rural Environment (CORE Cares)

Citizens’ Alliance United for a Sustainable Environment (CAUSE)