Farmers are an integral part of the rural environment, and as such, are usually excellent stewards of the land and water resources around them. Farm families and livestock rely on clean fresh water, and therefore normally take extraordinary measures to maintain its quality. Most crop producers take great care in building the productivity of their soil resource and protecting it from degradation using modern soil conservation techniques. Besides the well recognized environmental benefits, from such practices, there are financial rewards for conserving the soil resource and protecting our precious water quality as well.
Like Farmers, crop input suppliers and manufacturers have a lot at stake in ensuring that the rural environment is protected from damage from improper practices or from crop inputs that adversely affect soil and water quality. What affects our customers ultimately affects us. As part of the agricultural industry, many of our employees live in rural areas and our livelihood is directly tied to the success of our customers.
Responsible testing of new technology is engrained in the agricultural businesses that operate in Canada, from both a cultural and regulatory perspective. Canada has a solid reputation for a strong consumer and environmental protection regulatory environment that errs on the side of caution. Although striking the right balance for all stakeholders has been, and always will be, a huge challenge, Farmers and the Agricultural Industry in Canada can be proud of our accomplishments and consumers can rely on inexpensive, wholesome and safe food.
Arming ourselves with sound information and promotion of the responsible use of agricultural technology to our urban friends is our responsibility, whether we are directly or indirectly involved in the production of food. The links above will take you to some sites that will help you do your part informing the "uninformed." Check back regularly and familiarize yourself with the FACTS, so that we can all continue to participate in a strong and important sector of the Canadian economy.
