SUPPORT THE FAMILY FARM
There are many things I do not know. But, there is one thing I know for sure. The family farm is the bedrock foundation of P.E.I., and that foundation must be protected and nurtured by all Islanders. And it needs to happen now, not kicked down the road by well-meaning people and politicians.
As an economist, I know that agriculture, despite all the challenges it has faced, continues to be the economic engine and brand that drives our P.E.I. economy, not only directly, but because of the many other goods and services it supports. As an Islander, I know that the family farm provides the wonderful rural landscape and sense of community that captivates both Islanders and tourists and which helps define who we are as a people. As a parent, I know and appreciate that the P.E.I. family farm doesn’t just raise great livestock and grows great crops, it also raises and grows great young people who go on to become leaders in their community or beyond. There is no other segment of our P.E.I. society which makes a greater contribution to P.E.I. economically, environmentally, and socially than the family farm.
Family farming in P.E.I. is facing ever-increasing challenges, including climate change, and particularly availability of water. We must address the water issue without delay, despite the complexity of the problem. I hear the voices of respected environmentalists who are very concerned about deep water wells and related issues. I also hear the concerns of farmers who cannot afford to continue to incur the recent losses they have suffered because of drought conditions they couldn’t remedy. Overlaying
all of this is the issue of the scale of farming, specifically what is the distinction between a family farm and industrial/corporate farming and what level of support can/should we provide to each.
P.E.I.’s response to COVID-19 and to other major issues over the years has shown how fast and effectively we can deal with a major, time-sensitive issue when the need arises. It will take the leadership of our provincial elected officials, plus the input, goodwill and common cause of Islanders to effectively address the way forward for P.E.I. agriculture and particularly our family farms, but it needs to be done without delay. We must do everything possible to protect our family farms and we need to get at it.
Doug MacArthur, Charlottetown