A local workshop on caring for soils in agriculture production will be held Saturday, March 21.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Barr Line Community Centre near Douglas.
“2015 is designated Year of Soils by the 68th UN General Assembly to raise awareness of the critical role soils play in producing food,” said Tony Straathof, president of the Renfrew County National Farmers Union.
Around the world, soils are in danger because of expanding cities, deforestation, poor management practices, pollution, overgrazing and climate change, he said.
“When soils are at risk, so is agriculture, food security and healthy environments,” Mr. Straathof stated.
The workshop begins with the showing of the documentary film Symphony of the Soil, which provides a stunning overview of the soils and their life-giving power.
After lunch, guest speaker Robin Turner, of Roots and Shoots, will describe how he cares for soil as an organic vegetable producer. Following him, Eric Kaiser, a grain farmer and poultry producer, will describe his strict no-till approach to soil care with emphasis on crop rotations and multi-species cover crops. There will be ample time for questions and discussion with the speakers.
Everyone is invited and no pre-registration is required. A local lunch will be provided at $10 a person.
For more information, please call Marshall Buchanan, vice-president of the RCNFU, 613-649-2190 or email him at [email protected].
The event is sponsored by the Renfrew County National Farmers Union, Local 330, with funds from the Renfrew Agriculture Leadership Committee.
