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New
Study Shows Ontario's Farmers are Environmental Leaders |
Jackie Fraser, Executive Diretor, AGCare
A new study, Caring
for the Land – Our Farm Environmental Commitment, shows that Ontario’s
farmers are environmental leaders.
Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by the equivalent of taking 125,000
cars off the road through improved soil conservation measures. Farmers have
spent at least $600 million on environmental improvements and 300,000 days in
environmental training. Over 70% of them have voluntarily participated in the
Environmental Farm Plan program.
We all know that
this report reveals the tip of the iceberg. There are so many farmers doing
great things for the environment; this report merely scratches the surface.
However, it has provided a great opportunity for us to discuss farmers’
environmental initiatives with our consumers.
The study was
released in early June to celebrate Canadian Environment Week. The entire report,
a summary booklet, case studies, and other
information are available on www.caringfortheland.com.
The project began
nearly two years ago, through funding provided in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada through the Agricultural Adaptation Council. AGCare attempted to pull
together a summary of the environmental initiatives Ontario’s farmers have
taken on in the past twenty years. It proved
to be a daunting task. The end result is a full report outlining details on
environmental programs and projects,
money and time spent, and results where available.
We’ve also
created booklets for the public, which generally outline some of the achievements,
and defines “farm lingo” such as conservation tillage, integrated
pest management, crop rotation, and buffer strips. The new website is an excellent
resource for the general public, the media, and students doing research projects.
An interactive display is under development and will be unveiled at the Royal
Agricultural Winter Fair this November.
Probably the best
outcome of this project has been the excellent media attention. We were featured
on five radio shows, including two different CBC radio programs. At least four
TV stations interviewed us, including the Hamilton Global CH Morning Show. The
Globe and Mail website featured our story, and a lively commentary followed.
I was thrilled to see the supportive comments that came through. Most got the
message
that if you buy local, you are supporting environmental stewardship in your
own backyard. We are just beginning to find out how much print media we have
received.
The environment is a hot issue with the public right now. It’s a great opportunity for us to spread our news!
