The Blooming Popularity of Agricultural Alternatives

The Blooming Popularity of Agricultural Alternatives
By Alexandra Link
(Published in The Observer, July 2003)

Have you found yourself growing increasingly concerned with conflicting media coverage regarding Genetically Modified Organisms (G.M.O.s), mad cow disease and pesticides? If so, you may be joining an increasing number of consumers who are questioning how their food is grown and the effects of modern day farming practices on their health and environment. As a result, there is a blossoming interest in alternatives to traditional agricultural production methods. Consumers are becoming less interested in farming that relies on chemical and genetic interference and instead are purchasing more local, organic products.

There are many benefits to choosing organics. These include the protection of natural resources and a reduction in the contamination of air, water, soil and food. Using organics also decreases agricultural pollution by naturally replenishing and maintaining soil fertility, eliminating the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and increasing biological diversity.
When they choose to purchase organic products, consumers not only support more sound environmental production methods, but also actively make the decision to eat more healthily. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers 60 percent of all herbicides, 90 percent of all fungicides, and 30 percent of all insecticides as potentially cancer-causing. This statistic emphasizes the health benefits of consuming organics.

Here in New Brunswick, many local producers are now trying alternatives to conventional farming. One of such producers is Falls Brook Centre (FBC), located in Knowlesville. The Centre has been growing organic produce for the last 12 years and is beginning to make their products available to consumers in the local area through its Earth Marketplace label. From offering old standards such as Provider Beans and Scotia tomatoes, to providing more adventurous varieties such as tomatillos and edible Borage flowers, Earth Marketplace satisfies all tastes.

FBC has also begun a new pilot project called Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in order to make their organic products more accessible to the public. CSA is basically an agreement between members and FBC’s farm to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship. Members directly support the farm by purchasing a weekly or seasonal share of farm produce, and the farm supports members by providing a weekly supply of fresh organic fruits and vegetables to members. A direct relationship means that members can easily meet their farmer and give their feedback. For the farmer, it means support from their local community to farm in an ecologically sustainable manner.

Beyond the CSA, there are two more options for consumers to purchase Earth Marketplace organic produce. These include the “Earth Marketplace” stall at the Woodstock Farm Market on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., and on-site at Falls Brook Centre on Thursday afternoons. For more information regarding the CSA, Earth Marketplace organics, or Falls Brook Centre, please call: (506) 375-4310 or email: information@fallsbrookcentre.ca.