The National Farmers Union – Ontario (NFU-O) has released its policy position on the proposed Alto high-speed rail project, outlining a series of concerns related to farmland protection, environmental impacts, and consultation with affected communities.
Based on feedback from members, communities, and its own policy review, the organization says it cannot support the project in its current form without clear, enforceable protections. NFU-O is calling for a pause on further planning until proper consultation takes place, and a clear plan is in place for farmland preservation and farmer compensation where land may be expropriated.
NFU-O says it supports public investment in transportation, including improved passenger rail, but stresses that this should not come at the expense of agricultural land.
“Farmland is not vacant land or an empty corridor,” the organization states, noting it is a finite resource that supports food production, rural economies, and long-term food security. This is especially true for farms with orchards, maple bush, woodlots, pasture, and other long-term investments that cannot easily be relocated.
The organization has identified five main areas of concern:
Farmland loss and impacts on farm businesses. The project’s need for long, straight routes could lead to expropriation, fragmented fields, reduced access, drainage issues, and ongoing disruption to farm operations. Members have raised concerns about impacts on orchards, maple production, woodlots, pasture, cropland, and long-term planning due to route uncertainty.
Transparency and consultation. NFU-O says many affected landowners and communities have struggled to get clear, timely information. It also points to concerns about the consultation process and stresses the importance of meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, including Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), before key decisions are made.
Environmental and ecological impacts. The organization is concerned about potential routes crossing wetlands, watersheds, forests, and other sensitive areas. It notes that large infrastructure projects can alter drainage, disrupt wildlife, and create long-term impacts on soil and water.
Public interest and affordability. While the project is promoted as a major economic investment, NFU-O says questions remain about whether benefits will be shared fairly, especially for rural communities that may face land impacts without receiving local service or affordable access.
Expropriation and accountability. NFU-O says major infrastructure projects must still respect protections for landowners, environmental review processes, and the public’s right to information.
For these reasons, NFU-O is calling for the following:
- Farmland protection must be a starting principle, with the avoidance of prime farmland and active farm operations built into route selection.
- Existing transportation and infrastructure corridors should be prioritized wherever possible.
- No expropriation or final route decisions should be made without full public disclosure of studies, data, and decision-making criteria.
- Agricultural impact assessments should be mandatory, including impacts on access, drainage, biosecurity, and long-term farm viability.
- Meaningful consultation must take place early, including with farmers, municipalities, and Indigenous communities, with respect for Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
- Farmers should have access to independent legal, technical, and financial support funded by the project.
- Environmental assessment and expropriation of safeguards should not be weakened.
- Governments and project leaders must demonstrate that the project serves the public interest and is preferable to lower-impact alternatives.
NFU-O says that while improved rail infrastructure is needed, it must be developed in a way that protects farmland, rural communities, and the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
