Have you ever just driven around and looked at all the townhouses that are being built in the Surrey area? Where did they come from and what was that land used for before it became this enormous complex? Chances are it was farmland.
Most of us will automatically say, “Oh what a shame!”, “Why are farmers selling their land?” or “It’s so sad to see that we barely have any farming land left.” Well if you really want to know, it’s our own fault because we don’t support our local farmer. Think about it:
- Do you buy your produce from the big grocery store where you also buy your meat, fish, dry goods, dairy, sweets, snacks, pop and magazines because it’s convenient?
- Do you look for the best deal instead of the best quality?
- Do you look at the tag that says where it’s from?
- Do you care?
Most people don’t care. Most people don’t question things like:
- It’s cheaper to buy lamb in Australia and have it shipped to Canada than it is to buy a local BC lamb 40 km away
- Strawberries and other fruit used to be seasonal, now we can buy them year round
- Why are we buying vegetables, garlic and other items that can be grown locally from China?
- Why are items that are sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals cheaper than those that aren’t?
Start asking yourself these questions and you’ll understand why town-homes are taking over farmland. Ok, we have identified the problem, so what is the solution? It’s the Million dollar question that stands out like a sore thumb. You’d think that the answer was as obvious as, “Just start buying local”, and truthfully that really is the answer.
How do we get this simple answer off this page and into the mind set of our grocery stores, our restaurants, and most importantly to our farmers? By asking, demanding, supporting and by leading by example. Next time you’re shopping follow these simple guidelines and slowly but surely the revolution will happen:
- See Garlic made in China? Don’t buy it.
- Wish to eat Lamb? Go out of your way and buy local
- Buying meat? Go to your local butcher and ask for local meat
- Don’t buy produce from the grocery store, find a local farmer’s market
- Treat yourself and buy vegetables and fruits that are in season, they taste better
- Buy fish in Steveston right off the boat
- Shop around, support your local shops, do not one-stop shop.
- Shop for pesticide-free produce and refuse to buy anything else
This won’t happen over night and it will be a tough road to follow but all journeys start with one step forward. The most important thing we do in life is feed ourselves so let’s take it seriously.
Farmland is tough to get back once it’s been sold to a developer. So if we support our farmers through thick and thin the less incentive they will have to sell away their land.
