Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Farming

It's hard hard to understand why so many people just don't get that we are all part of the same planet. What's so difficult about accepting that destroying vast areas of forest in the Amazon, or Indonesia, or Australia will have major implications for everyone? We all breathe the same air and we all drink the same water (some of us have to drink recycled water and probably most will have to in the future if we live in cities).
Farm businesses can certainly help to reduce those problems if there is an effective farm programme which allows the business to carry out its activities without detrimental impacts. In Australia, the Landcare programme has fostered a tremendous understanding that something needs be done.
It has germinated the idea that farm practices can actually enhance profits and regional biodiversity at the same time. It is a great starting point - but time is running out! We have to get our various acts into gear and get serious about managing our catchments in a way that delivers a community benefit.
I don't think we've done that so far.

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