Commentary: Future of farming

MapleLine Magazine: Aug.25, 2010 << Back to Breaking News

By Herb Haldane, Councillor, District of Sooke

SOOKE, BC. Food harvest is becoming more important as the ever-changing climate and population growth take effect. It is local municipalities that can help change some of the impact by stimulating locally grown food production.

Incentive options include the subdivision of bigger ALR lands to appeal to smaller growers and more affordable opportunities. I see the future of farming to be in smaller farms and each one providing different varieties of product.

Tax incentives and providing a public market place would also attract more interest in any community.

Our responsibility and focus should be in the needs of the small local businesses that help balance our tax base. Should the District invest in a market place and ALR land to help jump start this process? Many opportunities and questions need to be explored. I hope to have input from the public before making any big decisions with their tax money but I do agree with the concept.

Please feel free to voice any and all opinions, as public input is the best way to gauge a town’s needs.

This page is sponsored by the MapleLine Journalism Program, starting its 2nd year of monthly workshops this September.