Natural Heritage and Agriculture

Agriculture

Farming in King series vol. II

FARMING IN THE HOLLAND MARSH

My name is Avia Eek. I am the wife of a 3^rd generation Holland Marsh farmer, Bill Eek. His Great Uncle, William Valenteyn, was one of the first settlers who came to the Marsh in the 1930’s.

We met in 1984, and started dating. On May 31, 1985, an F4 tornado tore through the Holland Marsh, leveling buildings (Bill’s Grandparents house on King St, was moved right off its foundation!!!), damaging others, and ripping trees out of the ground. The canal (which surrounds the Holland Marsh) was full of an assortment of debris, but the entire community pulled together, including children from a local school, in the big cleanup.

It’s ALWAYS really windy in April and May—which is also seeding time for early crops—so we are wary about a tornado popping up, especially towards the end of May each year.

In November, 1988, we were married. That date was chosen because back then, harvest was finished and the crop was in the barn by that time of the year. We still tease Bill because on our wedding day, he was still on the tractor finishing up some field work while some of the neighbours we had invited to attend were on their way to the Church. When I married Bill, his family still grew lettuce and celery, as well as carrots, onions and some potatoes. I remember (being the dutiful farm wife) getting up at 4:30 a.m. to head to the field for 5 a.m. to cut lettuce before getting ready to go to my job as a legal secretary in a law office in Aurora. That’s devotion!

I can think of no profession more noble and satisfying than that of farming. The farmer is responsible for providing safe, healthy and nutritious food for his community, town, province, country, and yes, Holland Marsh produce is exported around the world to the U.S., Puerto Rico, etc. we are local, national, and international—some people don’t know this.

When you are heading out to the tractor (I drive beside the combine at harvest), there is this overwhelming satisfaction that you are feeding your country. After all, “the success of a nation lies in its ability to feed itself”. So, I guess, indirectly, we are the backbone of this great nation.

Growing vegetables has become more competitive, as we have global trading partners who have different standards than we do regarding human rights issues, farm safety, pesticide use, environmental issues, protected farmland, etc. thus reducing their input costs, thereby creating a cheaper imported product. Farmers are no longer “just farmers”, the stewards of the land, providing food for our country. In today’s economy the farmer must also be business savvy, trying to forecast the future food requirements, etc.. There are many rules and regulations that MUST be adhered to, so the farmer must keep herself/himself up-to-date with current legislation. We are always keeping an eye on global developments. As with any business, you hire other professionals to aid you in sound farming practices, such as soil sampling to monitor the health of your soil; field scouts (in addition to the farmer scouting his fields) to check for diseases, bugs (there are many) in organic soil. For instance, thrips—if not monitored and the appropriate action taken, can wipe out five acres of onions in 4-7 days. We hire accountants who specialize in farm matters, succession, etc.. We must also be financial wizards. There are no automatic pensions—if you don’t find a way to put money away for retirement, too bad, no pension. Since you never know how the prices will go for the produce you have harvested, you learn to become frugal. You might find it curious that we don’t know the price we will sell for, but it is not up to us to establish the price. The chain stores contact the packing plants, and tell them what THEY are willing to pay, the packing plant then tries to locate produce based on the price they are given. It’s a bizarre way to do business. There are many cheaper imports available, so if we decide not to sell (we can only go so low before it is not worth selling), the crop stays in the storage until an acceptable price is reached.

Having said all of this though, and this IS just a glimpse into some of the difficulties of vegetable farming, and also having experienced a “cushy” office job for eleven years in a local prominent law firm, I would not go back to working in an office.

We ARE stewards of the land—it feeds us, and it feeds you. I am proud to be in that 2% minority, the profession that supplies 1 in 7 jobs. Farmers and farming practices are so misunderstood these days. Get to know your Holland Marsh farmer, you might be surprised by what you learn.

Eat today? Thank a Farmer!

By Avia Eek

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Natural Heritage - Lake Simcoe Protection Plan

Campaign Lake Simcoe has published its response to the draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. The draft plan is only a beginning, it requires significant improvements. One major theme throughout the improvements is the need for the Protection Plan to apply to residents, cottagers and developers equally.

The Plan For Success did address the risk that the gas-fired generator in the Holland Marsh represents to Lake Simcoe as it is in its watershed: specifically it recommends “ delay[ing] the approval of the provincial natural gas peaker plant in Holland Marsh until the environmental impact of particulates on soils and water has been determined to be negligible.

Already 21 groups, including CCKT, have indicated support and are signors to “Plan for Succes: A Citizen Response to the draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.” To read the Plan go to

http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/campaignlakesimcoe/pub/PlanForSuccessFinal.pdf

To read the press announcement of the Plan For Success by Environmental Defense, including the Plan's top 10 recommendations go to

http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/pressroom/viewnews.php?id=551

March 17 the second reading debate of Bill 99 (Lake Simcoe Protection Act) began. To read Minister Gerretsen's (Minister of Enviroment) opening remarks go to

http://www.ene.gov.on.ca:80/en/about/minister/speeches/092208.php

Oak Ridges Moraine

Nearly 70% of King Township is on the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) and is covered by the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP).

Do you want to read the legislation? Do you want to look at the maps? Do you want to know if you are in the natural core or a natural linkage area? To answer these questions or to find out about the function and value of the moraine visit these websites:

www.stormcoalition.ca
www.moraineforlife.org/living/property_map.php

Threats to the Moraine in King
Our beautiful countryside with its open spaces and undulating hills attracts people and development - individual applications, subdivisions and business. The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan allows development within criteria; too often interpretations of the criteria and planning decisions favour the developer as opposed to protecting the Moraine.

For example, CCKT has objected to the 4th golf course at Cardinal because of the use of pesticides and its water consumption. Regarding water use: anticipated total water taking at Cardinal will be over 1 million litres of water per day which is about 6% of the daily savings for the whole of York Region in the Water for Tomorrow conservation program; 80% of water used is lost due to evapotranspiration. It also needs to be remembered that part of the proposed new course is located in an area of "high aquifer vulnerability" on provincial maps. Unfortunately, it is on track to be approved.

On July 30, 2008, Ecojustice and Earthroots released a report reviewing the negative impact of golf courses on the Moraine. To read a summary of the report: www.thestar.com/article/469579. To read the whole report: www.ecojustice.ca/publications/ontarios-water-hazard

How you can help protect the Moraine in King Township?
Volunteer to help evaluate developments on the ORM using a tool kit called Monitoring the Moraine (MTM). The latter was designed to engage and sustain community volunteers in environmental and policy monitoring across the moraine. www.monitoringthemoraine.ca

If you see wetlands being filled in, call the Township 905-833-5321 or Toronto and Region Conservation Association (TRCA) at 416-661-6600 to determine if permits have been granted.

Remember: wetlands on the Moraine clean our water and provide habitat for birds, frogs, fish and other species. The Humber River, Rouge River, Schomberg River, the canals of the Holland Marsh and many other rivers receive their base flow from the moraine rivers; they flow south through Toronto into Lake Ontario and from the north side of the moraine into southern Lake Simcoe. Today, aquifers of the Moraine provide drinking water for 250,000 people, including all the rural wells in King Township.

Holland Marsh

Agriculture is a vital part of our economy in King. Horse farms, livestock, grain production, horticulture and market vegetables contribute to our diverse agricultural community.

To keep up to date with what is happening in the Marsh and to find your favourite vegetables visit http://hollandmarshgold.com/

Some areas of King outside of the Oak Ridges Moraine are protected by the Greenbelt, such as the Holland Marsh. Did you know n early half of the Holland Marsh is in King Township? To view a map, visit www.ourgreenbelt.ca/our-greenbelt/maps/holland-marsh

If you are interested in a good overview of the value of the Marsh and the importance of the canal system read www.ourgreenbelt.ca:80/our-greenbelt/learn/holland-marsh-challenges-and-opportunities-greenbelt

photo courtesy of Ron Mitchell, CCKT Holland Marsh is described as Ontario's vegetable basket but it is at significant risk due to development. To get an overview of the risks read the April 2008 article in The Toronto Star by Christine Sismondo www.thestar.com/columnists/article/419262.

The rich diversity of the Marsh is being recognized by famed Chef Jamie Kennedy. See Toronto Star article by Daphne Gordon www.thestar.com/article/481634



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Home About Us King Today News & Alerts Natural Heritage & Agriculture Transportation Communities: King City Nobleton Schomberg Hamlets King Speaks Poll Results King Tomorrow Sustainability Vision Resource Links Contact Us	Natural Heritage and Agriculture Agriculture Farming in King series vol. II FARMING IN THE HOLLAND MARSH My name is Avia Eek. I am the wife of a 3^rd generation Holland Marsh farmer, Bill Eek. His Great Uncle, William Valenteyn, was one of the first settlers who came to the Marsh in the 1930’s. We met in 1984, and started dating. On May 31, 1985, an F4 tornado tore through the Holland Marsh, leveling buildings (Bill’s Grandparents house on King St, was moved right off its foundation!!!), damaging others, and ripping trees out of the ground. The canal (which surrounds the Holland Marsh) was full of an assortment of debris, but the entire community pulled together, including children from a local school, in the big cleanup. It’s ALWAYS really windy in April and May—which is also seeding time for early crops—so we are wary about a tornado popping up, especially towards the end of May each year. In November, 1988, we were married. That date was chosen because back then, harvest was finished and the crop was in the barn by that time of the year. We still tease Bill because on our wedding day, he was still on the tractor finishing up some field work while some of the neighbours we had invited to attend were on their way to the Church. When I married Bill, his family still grew lettuce and celery, as well as carrots, onions and some potatoes. I remember (being the dutiful farm wife) getting up at 4:30 a.m. to head to the field for 5 a.m. to cut lettuce before getting ready to go to my job as a legal secretary in a law office in Aurora. That’s devotion! I can think of no profession more noble and satisfying than that of farming. The farmer is responsible for providing safe, healthy and nutritious food for his community, town, province, country, and yes, Holland Marsh produce is exported around the world to the U.S., Puerto Rico, etc. we are local, national, and international—some people don’t know this. When you are heading out to the tractor (I drive beside the combine at harvest), there is this overwhelming satisfaction that you are feeding your country. After all, “the success of a nation lies in its ability to feed itself”. So, I guess, indirectly, we are the backbone of this great nation. Growing vegetables has become more competitive, as we have global trading partners who have different standards than we do regarding human rights issues, farm safety, pesticide use, environmental issues, protected farmland, etc. thus reducing their input costs, thereby creating a cheaper imported product. Farmers are no longer “just farmers”, the stewards of the land, providing food for our country. In today’s economy the farmer must also be business savvy, trying to forecast the future food requirements, etc.. There are many rules and regulations that MUST be adhered to, so the farmer must keep herself/himself up-to-date with current legislation. We are always keeping an eye on global developments. As with any business, you hire other professionals to aid you in sound farming practices, such as soil sampling to monitor the health of your soil; field scouts (in addition to the farmer scouting his fields) to check for diseases, bugs (there are many) in organic soil. For instance, thrips—if not monitored and the appropriate action taken, can wipe out five acres of onions in 4-7 days. We hire accountants who specialize in farm matters, succession, etc.. We must also be financial wizards. There are no automatic pensions—if you don’t find a way to put money away for retirement, too bad, no pension. Since you never know how the prices will go for the produce you have harvested, you learn to become frugal. You might find it curious that we don’t know the price we will sell for, but it is not up to us to establish the price. The chain stores contact the packing plants, and tell them what THEY are willing to pay, the packing plant then tries to locate produce based on the price they are given. It’s a bizarre way to do business. There are many cheaper imports available, so if we decide not to sell (we can only go so low before it is not worth selling), the crop stays in the storage until an acceptable price is reached. Having said all of this though, and this IS just a glimpse into some of the difficulties of vegetable farming, and also having experienced a “cushy” office job for eleven years in a local prominent law firm, I would not go back to working in an office. We ARE stewards of the land—it feeds us, and it feeds you. I am proud to be in that 2% minority, the profession that supplies 1 in 7 jobs. Farmers and farming practices are so misunderstood these days. Get to know your Holland Marsh farmer, you might be surprised by what you learn. Eat today? Thank a Farmer! By Avia Eek __________________________________________________________________________________________ Natural Heritage - Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Campaign Lake Simcoe has published its response to the draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. The draft plan is only a beginning, it requires significant improvements. One major theme throughout the improvements is the need for the Protection Plan to apply to residents, cottagers and developers equally. The Plan For Success did address the risk that the gas-fired generator in the Holland Marsh represents to Lake Simcoe as it is in its watershed: specifically it recommends “ delay[ing] the approval of the provincial natural gas peaker plant in Holland Marsh until the environmental impact of particulates on soils and water has been determined to be negligible. Already 21 groups, including CCKT, have indicated support and are signors to “Plan for Succes: A Citizen Response to the draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.” To read the Plan go to http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/campaignlakesimcoe/pub/PlanForSuccessFinal.pdf To read the press announcement of the Plan For Success by Environmental Defense, including the Plan's top 10 recommendations go to http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/pressroom/viewnews.php?id=551 March 17 the second reading debate of Bill 99 (Lake Simcoe Protection Act) began. To read Minister Gerretsen's (Minister of Enviroment) opening remarks go to http://www.ene.gov.on.ca:80/en/about/minister/speeches/092208.php Oak Ridges Moraine Nearly 70% of King Township is on the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) and is covered by the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP). Do you want to read the legislation? Do you want to look at the maps? Do you want to know if you are in the natural core or a natural linkage area? To answer these questions or to find out about the function and value of the moraine visit these websites: www.stormcoalition.ca www.moraineforlife.org/living/property_map.php Threats to the Moraine in King Our beautiful countryside with its open spaces and undulating hills attracts people and development - individual applications, subdivisions and business. The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan allows development within criteria; too often interpretations of the criteria and planning decisions favour the developer as opposed to protecting the Moraine. For example, CCKT has objected to the 4th golf course at Cardinal because of the use of pesticides and its water consumption. Regarding water use: anticipated total water taking at Cardinal will be over 1 million litres of water per day which is about 6% of the daily savings for the whole of York Region in the Water for Tomorrow conservation program; 80% of water used is lost due to evapotranspiration. It also needs to be remembered that part of the proposed new course is located in an area of "high aquifer vulnerability" on provincial maps. Unfortunately, it is on track to be approved. On July 30, 2008, Ecojustice and Earthroots released a report reviewing the negative impact of golf courses on the Moraine. To read a summary of the report: www.thestar.com/article/469579. To read the whole report: www.ecojustice.ca/publications/ontarios-water-hazard How you can help protect the Moraine in King Township? Volunteer to help evaluate developments on the ORM using a tool kit called Monitoring the Moraine (MTM). The latter was designed to engage and sustain community volunteers in environmental and policy monitoring across the moraine. www.monitoringthemoraine.ca If you see wetlands being filled in, call the Township 905-833-5321 or Toronto and Region Conservation Association (TRCA) at 416-661-6600 to determine if permits have been granted. Remember: wetlands on the Moraine clean our water and provide habitat for birds, frogs, fish and other species. The Humber River, Rouge River, Schomberg River, the canals of the Holland Marsh and many other rivers receive their base flow from the moraine rivers; they flow south through Toronto into Lake Ontario and from the north side of the moraine into southern Lake Simcoe. Today, aquifers of the Moraine provide drinking water for 250,000 people, including all the rural wells in King Township. Holland Marsh Agriculture is a vital part of our economy in King. Horse farms, livestock, grain production, horticulture and market vegetables contribute to our diverse agricultural community. To keep up to date with what is happening in the Marsh and to find your favourite vegetables visit http://hollandmarshgold.com/ Some areas of King outside of the Oak Ridges Moraine are protected by the Greenbelt, such as the Holland Marsh. Did you know n early half of the Holland Marsh is in King Township? To view a map, visit www.ourgreenbelt.ca/our-greenbelt/maps/holland-marsh If you are interested in a good overview of the value of the Marsh and the importance of the canal system read www.ourgreenbelt.ca:80/our-greenbelt/learn/holland-marsh-challenges-and-opportunities-greenbelt Holland Marsh is described as Ontario's vegetable basket but it is at significant risk due to development. To get an overview of the risks read the April 2008 article in The Toronto Star by Christine Sismondo www.thestar.com/columnists/article/419262. The rich diversity of the Marsh is being recognized by famed Chef Jamie Kennedy. See Toronto Star article by Daphne Gordon www.thestar.com/article/481634 Home Contact Us back to top design partnership cm@filamentgraphics.ca and www.webertise.ca Contact Webmaster In order to view all site content, a recent version of the Flash player and Adobe Reader are required