PEI Farmer's Viewpoint - Bet he grows great produce!

[Guest guest]

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/editorial.htm

Healthy land is the farmer's greatest legacy

Editor:

I am writing in response to the commentary 'Every farm has a story of

blood, sweat and tears' (The Guardian, Feb. 19, 2002) by Fred McCardle.

I am a farmer who supports the concept of the Crop Rotation Act and the

proposed regulations although I regret that the agriculture industry did not

come forward with a solution before the government got involved.

I farm land that has been in the family for five generations and have

often wondered what my great-great grandfather would think of the farm

today. Two thoughts come to mind. I am sure he would be amazed at the size

of the fields but surprised the landscape of the countryside has changed

with respect to the forests, rivers, and ponds. Unlike my forefathers, I do

no need to conquer 'Mother Nature' in order to survive. It is more important

that I manage my land in a manner that respects its limitations. This will

allow me to consistently produce a high quality product without degrading

the vitality of the land.

I have been fortunate to follow farmers that take good care of their

land, and I hope to pass it on in better shape than I received it. After

all, that is a farmer's greatest legacy.

The fact is that the environment should not suffer and we should not

allow land to be permanently degraded because of mismanagement.

Unfortunately, we have already seen the results of this on P.E.I. and it is

time for the industry to move forward on this issue. The legislation and

proposed regulations will bring those remaining farms up to the standards

that many Island farmers have operated under for years.

As farmers and landowners, we are obligated to protect, 'our land' for

the brief time each of us possesses it.

Duane K. Mac, Lady Fane