Essex's mayor is hoping a new plaque program will help preserve the history and influence of the Town's farms.
Essex has opened the application process for farm owners who have continuously served the community for at least 50 years with a new heritage plaque program for farms.
Mayor Sherry Bondy hopes that the rich history of the area will be recognized by future generations. Bondy told WindsorNewsToday.ca that an average of nine family farms are gone weekly in Ontario.
"We know that we are losing farmland and family farms, so we wanted to do something to inspire and celebrate the existing family farms we have here," said Bondy.
Farm owners can now begin an application for a heritage plaque that will be placed on their property. Bronze plaques will be installed for farms in the family for at least 50 years, silver for at least 75 years, gold for at least 100 years, and platinum for at least 150 years.
Each plaque will be equipped with a scannable QR code with a history of the farm and the family that has operated it.
Bondy said with agriculture the lifeline of the Windsor-Essex economy, it has become vital to preserve the Town's farmland as development continues to creep in.
"Municipalities are facing a lot of pressure to grow, whether it's residential or industrial, and we need to make sure that our farm properties are celebrated and recognized," said Bondy. "Because there's only so much land to go around."
To apply for a heritage farm plaque, visit the Town's official website.