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Livelihood The Local Economy Vision 2020 expresses a concern about the restructuring of the local economy and a desire to achieve full employment. A major concern heard throughout the public participation process was a need to pursue a diverse, self sufficient economy. Although people were obviously concerned about current job losses, no one expressed a wish for new business development at any cost. If we are to maintain the long term viability of our community, new development must be sensitive to the long term social, environmental, and economic effects on the community.
Agriculture and the Rural Economy
Approximately 52% of Hamilton-Wentworth's land area is farms. Annual farm expenditures are almost $128 million while annual farm receipts total approximately $159 million. Agriculture is obviously and important component of the Region, both geographically and economically. The Agricultural sector is, however, under tremendous pressure from numerous sources. There are uncertainties about the long term viability of farming as an occupation, urban expansion and the demand for land places heavy pressure on farmers to sell productive land and there is a potential conflict between farm productivity and environmental protection.
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