The pages of this newspaper have frequently been filled with stories about the Sunriver Allotment Garden and the area farmers who try to make a living on small acreages. What is most evident is the dedication and passion these people have for the land and what it can produce, and the hard work it takes to do just that.
Last weekend’s farm and food garden tour was just an example. Many, many people took the tour and I’m sure they were inspired to take out some of their flower beds and put in a few vegetable plants.
We do not want to lose our ability to provide for ourselves and this concept is brought home more and more through the endeavors of our farmers and growers.
The District of Sooke has to be commended for their part in providing land at Sunriver. Yes, it was an amenity from the developer but that aside, it was extremely far-sighted and kudos to Sooke Food CHI for following up and making sure it happened.
Now we need the district and council to allocate more land for such enterprises. Get land as an amenity from developers and create more neighbourhood gardens. We need to ensure our future generations have the land to be able to grow things because the agricultural land is being built upon with no end in sight. Let’s provide for our kids and grand kids, that is the best legacy anyone could provide. In the long run it will mean more and provide more than any commercial building or a new subdivision.
