Farming

Sustainable Agriculture

The phrase "sustainable farming" may bring to mind organically grown vegetables sold at the farmers' market, but it goes far beyond that. Everything from the feed for livestock to the use of the manure produced, from watering livestock and crops to protecting the watershed must be considered in a responsible, sustainable agricultural operation.

There are many resources to be gleaned on the internet, and many groups dedicated to educating and assisting farmers to be responsible and sustainable.

The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service is a goldmine of information. Here you can find information on crops, compost, energy, water management, pest management, livestock, marketing, and more.

For news and information on a local level, visit the Peace River Forage Association of British Columbia website. They have news, information, and event listings, as well as links to other resource sites.

Additional resources:

BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Cultivating A Secure Future: Rural Development and Sustainable Agriculture in Canada

For information about organic agriculture:

Library of Parliament of Canada: Organic Farming in Canada: An Overview

Government of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development offers an extensive list of organic agriculture websites.