Ontario’s farmers have put together an enviable track record of environmental achievements over the last twenty years. More than most, their farms, their businesses and their families depend on a healthy environment to thrive and flourish. In fact, farmers are often called pioneers of the environmental movement, caring for the land long before “going green” became a hot trend.
A recent study called Caring for the Land found:
- Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by the equivalent of taking 125,000 cars off the road through impvoed soil conservation practices
- Farmers have spent over half a billion dollars on environmental improvements on their farms
- Over 70% of Ontario farmers have voluntarily participated in the Environmental Farm Plan program.
- Farmers have collectively spent more than 300,000 days in environmental training including Environmental Farm Plan work shops, Grower Pesticide Safety courses and Nutrient Management training.
- Overall, there’s been a 52% reduction in pesticide use
If that’s not good news, I don’t know what is. If only some of our other major industries would follow farmers’ lead, we’d all be farther ahead.
More information can be found on www.caringfortheland.com.
