Re: 鈥淢ayor calls CRD proposal for farmlands trust unfair,鈥� April 13.
I don鈥檛 agree with Metchosin Mayor John Ranns鈥� warning regarding the 鈥渇oodland trust鈥� proposed by the Capital Regional District. The $143,000 operating cost to maintain the trust would support four people with a $36,400 living wage, not six. Subsidizing four farm workers on existing farms will not bring us closer to food sustainability, but will increase the incomes of farmers benefiting from subsidized labour.
The proposal for a trust to oversee 50 per cent of the CRD鈥檚 agricultural land reserves currently not in production would be a bigger benefit. The lands could establish community gardens or educational gardens near schools to teach children about farming and land stewardship.
I am the treasurer of the Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society in Saanich. The society operates as an incubator to help farmers learn and grow with established lands, markets and peer support. Farmers have an opportunity to lease small plots (up to an acre) of certified organic land to grow and market their produce. Farm lands are expensive, so having knowledge and experience to operate a successful farm helps new farmers from the start.
We need to replace the region鈥檚 retiring farmers to maintain local food production.
The 鈥渇oodland trust鈥� could lease the CRD鈥檚 lands to community groups, such as the society, bringing in revenues to offset operating costs. If the CRD proposal can leverage money spent to bring more locally grown produce to our shelves and educate more farmers for succession in the region, then it is a win for everyone.
Lyle Lacharity
Treasurer, Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society
North Saanich
