How long should agricultural land be protected?

The nature of the agricultural land base in the Central Ontario Zone combined with some of the best climate, water supply, and growing season in Canada, justifies long-term protection of the resource. The argument can be made that as productivity continues to increase, the area required to produce is reduced. This is partially true. However the population is growing, so there will be rising demand for products, which in turn requires more land. The land base must be carefully managed to ensure it is available as needed for future generations.