The Wellington Federation of Agriculture addressed the notion of lifting the agricultural exemption from development charges with the township of Mapleton.
The federation feels the municipality looks at the charges as a quick fix to help balance the budget as transfer funding from the provincial and federal governments continues to shrink.
WFA President Janet Harrop told council research in the U.S., Canada, and in Ontario proves those in rural areas are already paying more than their fair share.
"The study that was done in Ontario two years ago was 52 cents that agriculture got back in service for every dollar in taxes they paid," said Harrop.
"Agriculture is already paying more in taxes from an operating perspective than they use. So then to turn around and apply development charges for capital expenses is unfair."
Harrop also notes no other municipalities in the area have development charges on agricultural buildings.
She adds if the charges are allowed to be applied, a domino effect will likely be seen in other nearby counties.
