The Rural Voice, 2019-01, Page 14 “Yes, Pinkie, I had one taker for
the pole beans. I received a note just
the other day and, as it happens, that
was just after I heard the seed keeper
from the Mohawk community of
Akwesasne speak.”
“So, you’ll send them along as
promised?”
“Yes, and I’d like to send some to
the seed keeper as well, but that’s not
the thing you wanted to talk about, is
it?”
It’s a cold day, cold at least in the
failing light of December as they
walk among the stones of this sombre
place, bordered by the river brown, a
sluggish flow carrying the glacial
clay of their southern locale, on to
the lakes, on to the larger river, on to
the sea.
It’s not the traditional time of
hunger, he thinks. That only comes
later, when harvest stores lie empty
and the promise of the season’s
renewal lies tauntingly near.
Pinkie, though, is focused on the
present. She’s among a growing
number of people concerned about
hunger in a time when sustenance not
only travels across entire continents
but among them as well.
“I know you and your odd friend
Fast Eddie have been critical of the
CBC but Sunday’s call-in did bring
up some pertinent points,” Pinkie
says, waiting for my nod of
agreement before moving on.
“Seems that things are moving
along nicely for that organic farmer
who called in. He said the farm he’s
involved with employs a large
number of inspired workers who feed
400-odd families. Families pay about
$600 for 18 weeks of vegetables and
there’s very little in the way of
transportation involved.
“It was the woman near end that
really got me to thinking, though.
She said the hunger that exists in our
land of plenty is more about poverty
than any increase in food prices and
talked about the need for farmers to
be paid enough for what they do.”
Light, bright and sharp, is
unveiled at that moment. He says
nothing though, only waits for Pinkie
to continue as they enjoy the warmth.
“It’s a dysfunctional marketplace,
isn’t it?” she says, more statement
than question. “I mean outside of
things like the organic piece. Most of
us are fed by the big farmers but
from what I’ve read, the number of
farmers keeps falling. And didn’t you
say the other day that we’re in
trouble because agricultural soils are
losing their fertility?”
“That’s right.”
“It’s crazy.”
“I don’t disagree, Pinkie, but the
madness doesn’t stop there, a point I
don’t think was touched upon during
that program.”
Pinkie looks over, a question in
her eyes.
“The farmland of today isn’t what
it was when it was broken out 200-
odd years ago. It’s lost its fertility, a
good part of it at least. As the
alternative, we’ve replaced it with
fossil fuels, mined nutrients and other
things. Soil isn’t soil any more. It’s
just the place you anchor your crops
as you feed them and spray them
with chemicals.”
“Sounds like a rut to me,” Pinkie
says, “one that’s only getting deeper
and, it seems to me, there’s
connection to climate change. You
know, the global warming thing.”
“I don’t disagree, my dear, but
there may still be reason for hope.
While the evils have been released,
that, at least, remains.”
“Build the soil. Put the carbon
back.”
He looks at his friend with
surprise, and a new level of
admiration.
“It’s been done, but not on a grand
scale and it takes time, Pinkie. Let’s
just pray more than you and I come
to the realization it needs to be
done.” ◊
10 The Rural Voice
Build the soil.
Put the carbon
back.
Jeff is a
freelance
journalist
based
in Dresden,
Ontario.
Jeff Carter
180 Brock Avenue, Hensall
519-262-3130
www.metzgermeats.com
Open Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 6 pm
Sat. 8 am - 3 pm
Local Beef • Pork • Lamb • Poultry
Specialty European Meat Products
Local...Quality...Delicious
Toll Free: 1-888-534-0393
STEVE CRONSBERRY (Owner)
OFFICE 519-343-3233
HOME 519-338-2373
50 years of experience in providing
professionally designed &
installed drainage systems
MARQUARDT
FARM DRAINAGE LTD.
Established 1968
We provide you with the best of:
• Drainage knowledge & expertise
• Free estimates based on our expertise
• Competitive pricing
• Personal Service
• Detailed Field Surveys
• Professionally designed & installed
drainage systems
• Installation using GPS technology
• Excavator & backhoe work
2 Crews
Since 199
2