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* John Hegeman *
* Maiden's Bower Farm *
* P.O. Box 246 Churchville, MD 21028 USA *
* (410) 836-2435 johnhe@online1.magnus1.com *
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---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 14 Dec 1995 14:28:43 -0500 (EST)
From: John Hegeman <johnhe@online1.magnus1.com>
To: sustag@beta.tricity.wsu.edu
Subject: Sustainable Ag and Farmers
I thought the group might be interested in the following:
Maryland Farm Bureau delegates (some 400 farmers) from county
memberships met last week in State convention and adopted the following
definition of Sustainable Agriculture:
"Any method of agricultural production that maintains the value of farm
property at or above any alternative use under free market conditions".
The delegates adopted five key factors involved in Sust. Ag.:
1) It has to be profitable for farmers.
2) It must work to control the soil, water and nutrients.
3) It must provide a good quality of life for farmers and farm workers.
4) It must also provide abundant, wholesome food for all people.
5) It must preserve farmland and the communities that support
agriculture.
I've enjoyed the discussion on the Farm Bureau. I'm a member, and
a farmer. Membership on my part does not mean I concurr with or support all
the state FB policy statements. In fact I cringe at some of them.
But... life is unavoidably a compromise. Maryland Farm Bureau members
enjoy many benefits which make membership attractive including
access to health insurance, farm supplies at attractive prices, fresh
florida fruit, considerable clout on the local political level (important
in a developing, urbanizing county), a pool of farming info and help and
others.
I hope this contribution does not add fuel to an emotional? discussion.
Best regards,