Agricultural Land Review Committee

Agriculture Minister John MacDonell announced today, Nov. 4, the members of the Agricultural Land Review Committee.

The committee will seek public input around the management and long-term future of the province's agricultural lands. Members are:

• Rick Williams, Salt Springs, Pictou Co.
• John Van de Reit, Shubenacadie, Hants Co.
• Bill Swetnam, Centreville, Kings Co.
• Patricia Bishop, Port Williams, Kings Co.
• Lise LeBlanc, Newport, Hants Co.

"The Agricultural Land Review Committee will hold a series of public meetings because we believe Nova Scotians should have a say in how our prime agricultural lands are protected," said Mr. MacDonell.

"The committee will determine if adequate protection for agricultural lands already exist or whether additional steps need to be taken to further protect land."

A number of issues have been raised as to whether all prime agriculture land should be preserved and how much land is actually needed for food production. Other matters facing the committee include whether agricultural lands should be protected from non-agricultural developments, like private homes, hospitals, or day cares, recreational facilities, and the role society should play in any exercise to preserve land.

"Land use issues continue to be of interest to many people throughout the province, including municipal councils," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "I am pleased to learn that this committee has been struck to get a clearer picture of the views of Nova Scotians."

The committee will hold public sessions early in 2010. A final report is expected in the spring.