The Town of Minto is supporting a rare severance of prime agricultural land on the premise it would create two viable farms.
Applicant and landowner Donna Andrade is seeking to sever a vacant 5.47 hectare (13.5 acre) agricultural parcel on the 7th Line.
A 35.1 ha (86.7 ac) agricultural parcel would be retained with an existing dwelling and two steel clad buildings.
The application would result in a 5.47 hectare (13.5 acre) parcel for agricultural and residential use.
“Official Plan policies typically require new agricultural lots to be 36 hectares (86 acres) but do provide for the consideration of a smaller lot if it can be demonstrated that the farmer intends to conduct a viable agricultural pursuit on the smaller parcel,” explained Wellington County planner Jameson Pickard in a Dec. 5 report to Minto council.
The proposed lot is much smaller then other surrounding agricultural lots in the area and reduces the cultivated lands on the retained parcel, notes Pickard.
However, he adds a business plan outlining the viability of a proposed hop farm over the next five years has been submitted as justification for the smaller lot.
Under the plan, Paul and Stacy Vidic would operate Harriston Hops, a family-run agricultural company focussed on growing, harvesting and processing hop cones for craft brew and home brew markets.
“We haven’t seen one of these for years now,” chief building official Terry Kuipers told councillors at the meeting. “The official plan designation is prime agriculture … the province doesn’t allow severances off prime ag land.”
Kuipers said Minto staff recommend supporting the proposal to build a house and grow hops on the 13.5 acre lot that would be created.
“They had to prove through the study … that they could make a living off that 13 acres,” said Kuipers.
Deputy mayor Ron Faulkner pointed out, “That doesn’t mean you have to sever to make that viable living.”
“What happens if it does fail and someone happens to buy it in the future?” wondered councillor Ron Elliott.
“It can be used for anything,” Kuipers replied. “You can’t undo the severance.”
“Is there a big market for hops?” asked councillor Dave Turton.
“According to the study, there is and it’s growing,” said Kuipers.
Economic development manager Belinda Wick-Graham pointed out most of the hops used in Ontario come from outside the province and the growing number of craft breweries in this area have increased demand.
“Maybe we’ll get a brewery next,” she suggested.
Council approved a resolution recommending the county’s land division committee approve the severance application.
