Notes from the Conserving Working Landscapes Forum of May 29th

Part 2

What does preserving Agricultural Land have to do with Cranbrook?

Applications to remove land from the Agricultural Land Reserve pass through our regional district and municipal input is often sought. Prime agricultural land that is removed from the agricultural reserve for development purposes cannot then contribute to a local food supply and thus food security. Food production is part of the balance in a local economy and in all likelihood will become even more important in the future as has been pointed out several times recently in national news items. 

Preservation of agricultural land according to Mr Bullock has apparently not always been a priority at the community level and we were told very few community plans recognise agriculture. Most people would agree when they see the alluvial soils covered with residential or industrial buildings. Mr Bullock commented that frequently the land use authorities have been pushed into making land use decisions that should not have been made. Considering this might be the case, it is a poor state of affairs if granting authorities cannot or do not take the time for proper review of decisions, which will substantially affect future generations and their food production.

As making a living from agricultural land is sometimes difficult, the forum discussion concerning a landowner’s right and freedom to use his/her agricultural land for purposes other than agriculture in order to make that living was lively. Several farmers talked about how frequently the only way in today’s markets for them to survive is to subdivide. This sad state of affairs highlights a cause that is becoming more and more obvious to those who learn and care about their food sources. Supporting local farmers and the food they supply is essential to our economy and health. The loss of farm gate sales due to legislation is just one reason that has contributed to the despair felt by farmers and was a move that MLA Bill Bennett admitted had been regressive.

Local food security has been identified many times recently as an issue, which concerns a great number of people. With rising cost of food transportation, food shortages in parts of the world and an ever-increasing world population, local food supply will become more important.  MLA Norm MacDonald recognised this in his address and gave the forward looking example of Invermere’s school greenhouse, which not only teaches students about horticulture but puts it into practise as well as supplying food to the school cafeteria.

Solutions anyone?