What is Earth Day? To me it is taking a good look around at our beautiful country sides are NOT taking them for granted. It serves as a reminder that we all must do our part in protecting the environment- not enviro-conscious for one day out of the year.
It is in everyone’s best interest to be environmentally responsible and nobody realizes this more than farmers.
A 2007 study by AGCare (Agricultural Groups Concerned About Resources and the Environment) showed that Ontario’s farmers are environmental leaders. The study showed that:
· Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by the equivalent of taking 125,000 cars off the road through improved soil conservation measures
· Farmers have spent at least $600 million on environmental improvements and 300,000 days in environmental training
· Over 70% of farmers have voluntarily participated in the Environmental Farm Plan Program
Every day should be Earth Day in agriculture and we need to keep promoting this message. If you’re being a responsible environmental citizen, let people know why it’s important to you.
I challenge all of you to communicate to the non-agricultural public, our industry’s role in the environment. Share with them how agriculture is making the earth a better place.
For more information on the AGCare study, please visit www.caringfortheland.com
Please ALSO visit the following site to learn what EVERYONE can do to make a difference- http://www.earthday.ca/pub/resources/media_releases/2009-04-16_edc_top_10/index.html
