ERST 425 Research Paper Fostering Local Sustainable Agriculture By: Dionne Day ( )
Introduction: Agriculture has always been a historic foundation of Ontario’s prosperity, even within the municipality of Peterborough a huge percent of the economy depends upon it. Over time the course of agriculture has shifted dramatically. Local farmers now compete in the global markets. There is the problem of huge enterprises competing against local small farmers and their production, which as we are witnessing is increasingly displacing the family farms. The cost of faming to the local small farmer and his family is now rapidly outpacing the farm income. This has contributed to a loss of farm diversity within Municipalities and ...
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Introduction: Agriculture has always been a historic foundation of Ontario’s prosperity, even within the municipality of Peterborough a huge percent of the economy depends upon it. Over time the course of agriculture has shifted dramatically. Local farmers now compete in the global markets. There is the problem of huge enterprises competing against local small farmers and their production, which as we are witnessing is increasingly displacing the family farms. The cost of faming to the local small farmer and his family is now rapidly outpacing the farm income. This has contributed to a loss of farm diversity within Municipalities and Ontario as a whole. The lack of support for sustainable local agriculture, the disconnection between the farmer and consumers and the disappearance of prime farmlands across Municipalities are all factors that have been contributing towards the loss of local sustainable agriculture. This entire drive for sustainable agriculture in Canada began in the early 1950s with the establishment of an Ontario-based organization, The Land Fellowship. They received very little attention at that time from the agriculture community. In the 1970s, many environmental and sustainable agriculture organizations were created in response to the blossoming global concerns about the environment. Much of these organizations were based primarily on volunteer labour and were beginning to have an impact on the media and the public awareness. Many of these organizations focused their activities on local issues and relied on the local support. In the 1980s there was a dramatic increase in the number of these organizations and of promotional incentives within the local agriculture. The World Commission on Environment and Development also drew attention to sustainable agriculture and the need for strategies for sustaining food security and to conserve natural resources. Within the municipality of Peterborough there has been an obvious drive and support for sustainable agriculture and the local farmer. However there have been powers acting against the development of sustainable agriculture. Short-term political and economic goals within the province and municipality, international trade liberalization, and the continuing concentration of financing, agricultural trade, and food processing, have all resulted in a loss of local farms and their productivity. Farmers have argued that the government of Canada has given up much of its control over agriculture which has benefited only the transnational corporations. Much of the policy that exists in effect if not intent supports the agendas of these corporations and conflicts with the best interests of local farmers, family farms, rural communities, and of the consumer. In this research project we will attempt to assess the current status of the local Peterborough farming community, specifically dairy faming. The problem of local farmers not being able to compete with imported produce has been one of the main concerns so far within this community. A range of community based organizations have also been established in an effort to help support the local farmers as well as promote the drive for sustainable agriculture. In this project we will also examine the regulations and policy that exists and those which are in support of local, sustainable agriculture. The effectiveness of local government planning programmes in dealing with agricultural issues has been varied. The value of agriculture to the community’s overall well-being has not always been understood or recognized and has, at times, been reflected in local decision-making. However, while Provincial legislation claims to protect agricultural land and encourage farming, there are an increasing number of farmers and communities who oppose such claims. The purpose of this project then will be to assess the existing legislation on local sustainable agriculture, the status of local dairy farms and whether the existing legislations supports or opposes its successful functioning as well as determine what is needed to foster sustainable agriculture within the municipality of Peterborough. As mentioned before the agri-food industry plays an important role in the economic health of Canada and so it will be argued that there is need for increasing support and legislation that will benefit and protect the local farmers, since the existing legislations and frameworks are inadequate and lacking. We will also analyze the possibility of reversing the existing trends to help restore market powers so that farmers can once again earn a satisfactory income from farming. Discussion: Agriculture has changed dramatically over time. Food production soared due to increases in new technologies, mechanization, increased use of chemicals, specialization and government policies that favoured maximizing production.[1] Such changes have therefore allowed fewer farmers with reduced labour demands, to produce the majority of food within the country. While these changes have had many positive effects and reduced many risks in farming, there have also been significant costs. The environment has suffered tremendously whereby we’ve seen an increase in topsoil depletion, groundwater contamination, the decline of family farms, continued neglect of the living and working conditions for farm labourers, increasing costs of production, and the disintegration of economic and social conditions in rural communities. However there are been a growing movement which emerged during the past two decades against the typical agricultural establishments that contribute to the many social, economic and environmental problems. This movement for sustainable agriculture has and continues to gain increasing support and acceptance within mainstream agriculture. According to many food websites that promote the concept of sustainable agriculture, sustainable agriculture raises food that is healthy for consumers and animals, environmentally friendly, humane for animals, provides a fair wage and safe working conditions to workers and not only supports the rural communities but also enhances them. Apart from the economic struggle of farmers, there is an assortment of challenges associated with agriculture that the farmer has to deal with. Environmental challenges including the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, urban sprawl, loss of biodiversity, loss of wildlife habitat, as well as worker health and safety, rural revitalization and community food security. Therefore the farmer has to ensure that his activities contribute to the conservation and preservation of the land and its resources, ensure that all farm waste stays within the farm ecosystem and is not allowed to accumulate or pollute. The farmer must also ensure that farmers are paid a fair wage which most of the times are not dependent on subsidies from the government. Not only does sustainable agriculture address many environmental and social concerns, but it offers innovative and economically viable opportunities for growers, labourers, consumers, policymakers and many others in the entire food system. Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals; environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity.[2] A variety of philosophies, policies and practices have contributed to these goals. People in many different capacities, from farmers to consumers, have shared this vision and contributed to it. Despite the differences of people and their perspectives, such themes are commonly found throughout the majority of definitions for sustainable agriculture. Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.[3] Therefore, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance. Stewardship of human resources includes consideration of social responsibilities such as working and living conditions of labourers, needs of the communities, and consumer health and safety both in the present and the future. Stewardship of the land and natural resources involves maintaining or enhancing this vital resource base for the long term.[4] To essentially understand sustainability as it relates to the local agriculture, a systems perspective is important to utilize. Such a perspective was clearly outlined by the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. The system according to the University is seen in its broadest sense, from the individual farm, to the local ecosystem, and to communities affected by the system both locally and globally. An emphasis on the system allows a larger and more thorough view of the consequences of farming practices on both human communities and the environment.[5] Such an approach also allows for a better understanding of the interconnections between farming and other aspects of our environment. According to this perspective it also implies interdisciplinary efforts in research and education. This requires not only the input of researchers from various disciplines, but also farmers, farm-workers, consumers, policymakers and others.[6] It is also important to note that when considering the food system it extends far beyond the farm and involves the interaction of individuals and institutions with contrasting and often competing goals including farmers, researchers, input suppliers, farm-workers, unions, farm advisors, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. A wide diversity of strategies and approaches are necessary to create a more sustainable food system. These will range from specific and concentrated efforts to alter specific policies or practices, to the longer-term tasks of reforming key institutions, rethinking economic priorities, and challenging widely-held social values.[7] Areas of concern where change is most needed include the following: Food and agricultural policy: Existing government policies at all levels often hinder the goals of sustainable agriculture. New policies are needed to simultaneously promote environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity.[8] Tax and credit policies could be modified to encourage a diverse and decentralized system of family farms rather than corporate concentration and absentee ownership. Government and land grant university research policies could be modified to emphasize the development of sustainable alternatives. Marketing orders and cosmetic standards could be amended to encourage reduced pesticide use. Coalitions must be created to address these policy concerns at the local, regional, and national level.[9] Land use: The loss of agricultural land due to the conversion of such land for urban uses is of major concern, as rapid growth and escalating land values threaten farming on prime soils. Such patterns of conversion may often discourage farmers from adopting sustainable practices and a long-term perspective on the value of land. However an advantage of the close proximity of such developed residential areas to farms is increasing the public demand for environmentally safe farming practices. It is essential when addressing the need for protection of agricultural prime lands that there be the creation of new policies that will ensure protection and regulate development. The utilization of sustainable agriculture research and education can also be beneficial in assisting farmers to adopt practices that reduce chemical use and conserve scarce resources. Educating land use planners and decision-makers about sustainable agriculture is an important priority.[10] Labour: The conditions of agricultural labour are generally far below accepted social standards and legal protections in other forms of employment. Policies and programs are needed to address this problem, working toward socially just and safe employment that provides adequate wages, working conditions, health benefits, and chances for economic stability.[11] Such an issue with labour standards should also address the needs of migrant labour. In the long-term labour must be also be acknowledged and supported by government policies and carefully considered when assessing the impacts of new technologies and practices if there is to be sustainability. Community Development: Communities specifically the rural communities are currently characterized by economic and environmental deterioration and many are among the poorest locations in the country. The reasons for the decline are complex, but changes in farm structure have played a significant role. Sustainable agriculture presents an opportunity to give second thoughts to the importance of family farms and rural communities. Economic development policies are needed so that they encourage a more diversified agricultural production on family farms. In combination with other strategies, sustainable agriculture practices and policies can help foster community institutions that meet employment, educational, health, cultural and spiritual needs.[12] Consumers and the Food System: The support of the consumers is critical and can play an essential role in creating a sustainable food system. The purchasing power of consumers is most important since through their buying preferences they can send strong messages to producers, retailers and others in the system about what is preferred and what is considered important. The cost as well as nutritional quality also plays an equal role in influencing the consumer choice. Broadening the perspectives of consumers can be challenging but will be most beneficial so that environmental quality, resource use, and social equity issues are also considered in their shopping decisions. Simultaneously, new policies and institutions must be created to enable producers using sustainable practices to market their goods to a wider public. Coalitions organized around improving the food system are one specific method of creating a dialogue among consumers, retailers, producers and others.[13] Such coalitions will also be useful for suggesting new policies, clarifying issues, and encouraging a long-term view of food production, distribution and consumption. References: Appleby, MC. "Sustainable agriculture is humane, humane agriculture is sustainable." Journal of agricultural & environmental ethics 18.3 (2005):293-303. Canada. Agriculture Canada. Bureau for Environmental Sustainability. A survey of environmental policy instruments for the agriculture sector in selected OECD countries. Ottawa: Agriculture Canada, 1994. DeLind, LB. "Place and civic culture: Re-thinking the context for local agriculture." Journal of agricultural & environmental ethics 21.2 (2008):127-151. Dupre, R. "Perspectives on Ontario Agriculture, 1815-1930 - MCINNIS, RM." The journal of economic history 53.2 (1993):458-459. "Eating locally." Natural life (2006):40-41. Grudens-Schuck, N. "Conflict and engagement: An empirical study of a farmer-extension partnership in a sustainable agriculture program." Journal of agricultural & environmental ethics 13.1 (2000):79-100. Netting, Robert McC. Smallholders, Householders: Farm Families and the Ecology of Intensive, Sustainable Agriculture. Stanford Univ. Press, Palo Alto. (1993) Ontario Canada Agriculture Policy Framework: The Pillars. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/policy/apf/index.html Thompson, PB. "The reshaping of conventional farming: A North American perspective." Journal of agricultural & environmental ethics 14.2 (2001):217-229 Skogstad, Grace. "Canadian Agriculture Policy and Prairie Agriculture." Canadian journal of political science 23.2 (1990):370-372. “Sustainable Agriculture.” Friends of French Prairie. (2009) http://www.friendsoffrenchprairie.org/agriculture.html “Sustainable Agriculture.” KISSAN Kerala Operations Centre. http://www.kissankerala.net/kissan/kissancontents/policy.jsp “What is Sustainable Agriculture?” UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. University of California. (1997) http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Concept.htm [1] http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Concept.htm [2] http://www.greatvalley.org/agprograms/ag_sustainable.aspx [3] http://www.greatvalley.org/agprograms/ag_sustainable.aspx [4] http://www.friendsoffrenchprairie.org/agriculture.html [5] http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Concept.htm [6] http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Concept.htm [7] http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Concept.htm [8] http://www.kissankerala.net/kissan/kissancontents/sustainable.jsp [9] http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Concept.htm [10] http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Concept.htm [11] http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Concept.htm [12] http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Concept.htm [13] http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Concept.htm
