Supporting agriculture a smart long-term strategy

To the Editor:



I find the situation facing pork farmers in this province disturbing. More disturbing is some of the negative commentary concerning their plight.

In our area, the farm community has a significant impact on our economy. Many of us know little about farm life. Nonetheless, farming defines us.

Surveys indicate that residents of West Hants prize their quiet rural lifestyle. This is due in no small part to the pastoral backdrop that’s subsidized by the farmers who own the surrounding land. They get no remuneration for that asset. In fact, some farmers suffer opposition to their farm activity from non-farming residents.

I’m a strong advocate of protecting agriculture. In my lifetime we have been blessed with cheap and abundant food. When parts of the world struggle to get enough to eat, we have a problem with overeating.

We have taken the perilous attitude that that food supply will always be there. Indifference to our farmers’ struggle because offshore food is cheaper may come back to haunt us. We must never be at the mercy of out-of-province interests to supply us with food.

Other countries, the U.S. in particular, recognize the importance of the agriculture industry by offering large farm subsidizes which undercut our farmers. Our governments must work with farmers to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure that a vibrant agriculture industry is a part of our future for generations to come, but the window to protect agriculture is shrinking rapidly.

I find it odd that large companies seem to have little trouble getting government assistance. Yet an industry valued at $2.3 billion provincially, that employs 8,040 people directly and another 13,200 in the agri-food sector (2001 census) and represents an integral part of our heritage has a more difficult time securing assistance.

Supporting agriculture is a smart long-term strategy. It preserves our rural character, encourages efficient concentrated development and secures our food supply for future generations.

Progressive planning directs development toward serviced areas and accommodates agriculture interests. In Nova Scotia, we have enough land to accommodate all the development we can handle and preserve farmland. First, we must ensure that farms survive. We must back our farmers and help them find innovative ways to stay afloat.

A buy local campaign and taking steps to make sure that farmers get a fair price for their product is a good beginning.



Randy Matheson

Councillor, District 3