Honourable colleagues, I rise today to speak to Inquiry No. 16, which addresses the vital issues of Canadian agricultural land management, food security and economic stability.

First, I would like to thank Senator Black for bringing this important conversation to the forefront. Agriculture touches every aspect of our lives — from the food on our tables to the landscapes that define our communities — and yet it is an issue that does not always get the attention that it deserves.

To help understand the importance of agriculture, we must reflect on its roots across our provinces and territories. In Newfoundland and Labrador, families work tirelessly to cultivate fields in rugged and challenging environments, drawing sustenance from land that often gives little in return. For generations, agriculture was not about large-scale production. It was about survival, resilience and an unbreakable bond with the land.

What began as a supplementary practice for fishing families evolved into a thriving commercial sector by the late 1800s, supported by initiatives like the granting of Crown lands for farming. But it wasn’t just policies that shaped this transformation. It was the determination of my fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Women, in particular, played a pivotal role, often managing farms while men worked in the fisheries. That legacy of leadership endures today with nearly one quarter of farm operators in Newfoundland and Labrador being women, a testament to their strength and lasting impact on agriculture.

Farming in my province has never been for the faint of heart. It is not just labour intensive. It is capital intensive, requiring significant investments in land, equipment and operations. For small farms, expanding to commercial scale can feel like an insurmountable challenge without substantial financial backing.

The challenges are not just economic. They are generational. Nearly 60% of farm operators in Newfoundland and Labrador are over the age of 55. Who will take their place? Many young people see farming as a financial risk rather than a viable career path, and who can blame them? The barriers to entry are steep and the rewards often seem uncertain. Yet, if we do not attract the next generation, what happens to our food supply? What happens to the communities that depend on these farms?

The provincial government has taken steps to address these issues, allocating $300,000 for agricultural infrastructure projects, including support for new entrants. These efforts are promising, but they are just the beginning. Supporting a new farmer and strengthening food systems require comprehensible and adaptable approaches that reflect the diverse realities of farmers across Canada.

Food security is not a theoretical concept in my province. It is a daily reality. In our remote communities, access to fresh produce can be limited and costly. That is why local agriculture is so vital. It is not just about feeding people. It is about resilience and independence.

Consider this: Over 34% of farmers in Newfoundland and Labrador sell directly to consumers — double the national average. That connection between farmer and consumer is something special. It is personal. It is local. Farms like Lester’s Farm in St. John’s embody this spirit. With over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables, Lester’s is not just a farm. It is a community corner store. Families flock there for “you pick” strawberries, petting barns and farmer’s markets. It is where children learn that food doesn’t come from a store but from the land. Yet farms like Lester’s are under pressure from urban expansion, rising costs and shrinking farmland. If we lose these farms, we lose something irreplaceable.

Colleagues, this isn’t just a Newfoundland and Labrador story. Across Canada, the pressures on farmland — from urban sprawl to industrial development — are mounting. Senator Black has rightly called for a national strategy to protect our agricultural lands, and I could not agree more, but any strategy must go beyond single-issue solutions and reflect the complexity of the agricultural landscape. Farmers across this land — from small‑scale operators to those in non-supply managed sectors — face unique challenges, and these challenges require nuanced flexible approaches.

In my province, we have seen the power of collaboration. Through initiatives like The Way Forward Plan, the province exceeded its goal of 20% food self-sufficiency last year. That is progress, but we cannot stop there. Supporting new farmers, embracing emerging technologies and investing in diverse and sustainable food systems are critical steps to building resilience. Across Canada, we need to protect agricultural land from irreversible loss and strengthen local food systems so every community, rural or urban, has access to fresh, affordable food.

I wish to thank Senator Black for sparking this important conversation. By raising this initiative, you have reminded us of the urgent need to protect the land, our soil, all that sustains us and empowers farmers who nourish us and ensure that agriculture remains at the heart of our communities. Together, we can build a future where Canada’s agricultural legacy is defined by resilience, innovation and abundance.

Thank you, meegwetch.