Farmers have served as caretakers since the Garden of Eden.
God placed Adam, the first man and first farmer, in this position. However, due to Adam’s transgression and his expulsion from that beautiful paradise, civilization has been laboring to produce food and fiber for all.
Most farmers will tell you it is their duty to care for the land. They take pride in being stewards of the earth so future generations will have continued access to the land, which in turn affords them a quality of life. It is their legacy.
For me, sustainability and farming are synonymous. The average American family is three generations removed from the farm, and this distance creates a lack of understanding of agriculture’s important role in our economy and society. They have not had the satisfaction of cultivating a seed into a full harvest of fresh vegetables that line the produce aisle for consumers to purchase for their own families. They can only rely on the information given to them. And right now, there is a lot of false information in circulation disputing agriculture’s commitment to conservation.
As farmers, as much as it is our duty to steward the land, it is also our duty to educate our fellow citizens on agriculture’s critical role in a sustainable future. Preserving our natural resources contributes to the economic well-being and resilience of farming.
Farmers and ranchers skillfully and dutifully manage green spaces, wildlife habitats, freshwater recharge areas and wetlands, all while caring for the livestock and growing our nation’s food supply. This responsible land management is just one example of a farmer’s commitment to public service. Studies have shown that for every public dollar invested in U.S. agriculture, $10 is returned, creating economic benefit for all.
Farmers need clean water and healthy soil to produce food and fiber for a growing population. They seek innovative and cost-effective Best Management Practices to improve economic and environmental sustainability. These practices produce healthier ecosystems, natural habitats for wildlife and endangered species, and scenic landscapes – all contributing to our quality of life.
I’m honored to be a part of the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program, which recognizes farm families who demonstrate exemplary natural resource management.
This month marks the 22nd year of CARES. Our organization has nurtured the program into a national platform for sharing the sustainability stories of farmers and ranchers practicing environmental stewardship as their way of life.
Farmers and ranchers are nominated by anyone who wants to bring attention to their outstanding stewardship. They earn a CARES designation after their conservation efforts are validated by state and government officials. More than 900 farmers and ranchers have been recognized statewide.
This program gives me hope that agricultural and environmental groups will realize we all want environmental sustainability. For farming to remain viable in our state, we must find common ground to preserve our natural resources for the future.
Sharing these stories shows farming and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Farmers need healthy soil and quality water to grow a safe, affordable and abundant food supply. They do this on less land; they simply cannot afford to do anything less.
See more: CARES Program Recognizes Florida Farmers and Ranchers for Outstanding Resource Management
