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| WORKING LANDSCAPES | | CHANGING SKYLINES | | SUSTAINABLE HORIZONS | | ABOUT US / EXHIBIT SCHEDULE |
SUSTAINABLE HORIZONS I
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Concern for the environment was first raised by ‘scientific farmers’ in the 19th century. Reforestation, crop rotation and other conservation measures were being practiced in an effort
to preserve working landscapes and green space.
By the 20th century, burgeoning towns and cities had reached far into the countryside.
Conservation groups formed to protect and preserve wildlife habitats and water resources through
watershed management.
The Greenbelt, in Southern Ontario, is the backbone of an environmental framework seeking to preserve our natural and cultural heritage, to limit the urban sprawl and to provide a healthy environment for us all.
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An environmental awareness awakened as the impact of deforestation, polluted waterways and exhausted soils became apparent. Agricultural Societies and Clubs taught more sustainable farming practices through publications, fairs and exhibitions.
Wheat growing had been almost an obsession with early farmers and soil had become exhausted by decades of monoculture. However the value of crop rotation, companion planting and the use of manure was beginning to be understood by the mid 19th century.
" Our lands, by a course of exhaustive cropping, have become much deteriorated.... disastrous shame for the treatment we have given it. Rise, fellow-men,... and with the advent of our new Dominion, proclaim the restoration of its soil." The Canada Farmer, 1867.
"Crop rotation is very valuable because it is a saving of fertilizer and labour, and keeps the soil in good condition... growing plants, such as cowpeas, crimson clover etc., these leguminous plants have ... the mysterious power of gathering the free nitrogen out of the soil or air, and turning it back again to the soil..." Hall, 1909.
The first agricultural society in the area was established in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1793. Agricultural societies were formed for the purpose of supporting, educating and promoting the farm community and were receiving government assistance by 1845. The Provincial Agricultural Association’s Provincial Exhibition, established in 1846, in Toronto, evolved into The Canadian National Exhibition.
Today’s trend to eat locally grown food supports farmers, rural communities, reduces emission and tastes good! It also aims to reconnect people with the sources of their food, water and power.
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Local produce is readily available around the countryside. Many small scale operations have expanded their businesses to attract the public by offering markets, u-pick sales, roadside stands, prepared foods from pies to gourmet dinners, and even petting zoos and wagon rides.
“The explosion of farmers’ markets, the desire to meet face-to-face each week with the person who grew your nourishment goes deeper than just food.” , “Global warming and the imminent collapse of the conventional agricultural system will force us to return to our roots as a communal, agrarian society.” Michael Ableman, farmer, author, photographer. 2007
One developing trend sees people, committed to eating seasonally, joining ‘farm share’ plans. They receive a food allowance of the fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs etc. as it is available.
“You don’t choose what the farmer grows. He does. You might get lettuce one week and then, if, say, a hailstorm hits the lettuce patch, none for several weeks after. ...The stuff is phenomenally fresh. ” John Cloud, Eating Better Than Organic. 2007
Buying local produce means fresher food, high in nutrient content and bursting with flavour. Supporting local economies and urban and rural agriculture, encourages community self-sufficiency, educates city dwellers about food origins and agricultural production and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
“shipping a strawberry from California to New York requires 435 calories of fossil fuel but provides the eater with only 5 calories of nutrition”. Joan Gussow, Teachers College, Columbia University. 2007
