Welcome to the third of seven video clips that are being brought to you by the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association (HMGA) – but this time, we have a couple of twists and surprises. Research and innovation is the heart of what takes place in farm and food production – and has for thousands of years. Each year brings more information on developing best management practices as farmers attempt to continue their task of feeding a growing population.
And without that research and innovation, farmers would be unable to move ahead in terms of production and pest and disease control. The world is not what once was and thinks do change. As is noted by a farmer in the video, when your farm in a concentrated area, like the Holland Marsh and area is, pressures do tend to build – even with the best information and practices available.
In terms of the research and innovation displayed in the Holland Marsh and area, farmers have one of the very best resources in the entire country – the Muck Crop Research Station, run under the guidance of Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald, who leads a gallant and hard-working staff whose commitment to this unique part of Canada is unrivalled. The station, begun in 1946 as a field station of the Department of Horticulture, University of Guelph, has seen its reputation grow internationally into a world-renowned facility for the investigation of muck crop (or organic-based soils). In its 60 plus years of existence, including a rebuilding during Hurricane Hazel, the Muck Crop Station has been one of the main drivers in ensuring that the Holland Marsh continues to be one of the highlights of farm production from the past into the future.
In addition, a second link has been added, this time as part of the Growing Good Foods Idea program run through Sustain Ontario. This project was completed last year and featured as an example of the project when it was introduced at Queen’s Park. The partnership between the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association and King Township (along with Bradford-West Gwillimbury) highlighted the economics and the vital importance that a farming area provides to municipalities.
Without further ado; the third video link is called: Moving Farming Forward
The second video link is from King Township’s website
