Dear Editor,
Recent articles and letters refer to the increasing proliferation of houses being built on farmland. In my neighbourhood, I see constant reminders of what is lost as new giant homes (mostly uninhabited) are built on what was once a farm field. The fields behind the house lay dormant, as I suspect the builders likely assume that in due time they’ll be able to put a subdivision there. Why wouldn’t they think so?
Interestingly, I saw on the news this evening how big a demand there is in Canada for locally produced food. Like many people, I try to support local growers as much as I can, but I have to wonder, where is this food going to be grown now that the demand is increasing? The farmland is decreasing at the same time as the demand for local food increases.
What’s the solution?
The arguments being spouted by some owners of farmland that land that has lain dormant for years can’t possibly be used for farming is nonsense. Any decent farmer would understand that land needs to be nourished correctly in order to support growth, and I’m certain that the land in the surrounding areas could be made viable again — if the will was there to do so.
However, it seems obvious that the desire is for short-term financial gain, not long-term growing viability.
Will all food in the future have to be grown in hydroponic greenhouses because a few greedy individuals wanted to make a buck now?
As a grandmother of four, I find myself wondering what this generation is leaving for them and their own children in the future. Are we not supposed to be stewards of the land, and try to do as little damage to it in our generation so as to protect future ones?
From what I’m witnessing, it sure doesn’t look that way to me, and I’m ashamed to count myself among the generation that has finally done what none of the others could do. That is to saddle our children and grandchildren with a future that is far less bright than the one our own parents left to us.
Sharon Moore
Richmond
