ECO Farms: Urgent Need To Support Future Generations
An ecological farm or eco-friendly farm (ECO Farm) sounds like a grand idea for the future. Without consideration for sustainable agricultural practices and environment stewardship now, right now, one may question humanity’s and Earth’s ability to sustain life as we know it. In short, it is not a grand idea, it is a necessity to shift our thinking and current practices to grow food and do it in a way that preserves the precious soil, air and water needed nurture it. An ECO Farm prioritizes the health of the area where food is growing by a number of practices and techniques to use Earth’s resources in healthy and conservation-focused ways.
This article highlights some of the key benefits of the ECO Farm approach and why they are good for the Earth, Humanity and Community. Environmental conservation prioritizes the eco system because crops are rotated, water is conserved and minimal chemicals and pesticides are used to grow the food. This ensures biodiversity is maintained and a growing area remains healthy and stable. Composting and cover cropping along (plants covering the soil and not harvested) with reduced tilling ensure the soil remains fertile. Because chemical use is minimal there is less risk of soil and water pollution. Irrigation systems cleverly built and managed reduce water consumption and also minimize water pollution. Approaches to rotate crops ensure that pests and diseases do not get comfortable damaging familiar species and this also leads to a wider range of food options. Carbon concerns have permeated the world and national news the past many years and the use of tree forests on ECO Farms can sequester carbon monoxide from getting into the atmosphere. This also mitigates climate change. The combination of all the practices promote diverse farms that are resilient to environmental events like droughts or excessive heat.
All of us humans enjoy and benefit from good tasting food that provides nutrition for our healthy bodies, mind and spirt. The improved levels of healthy food coming from ECO Farms ensure our guts are not exposed to chemicals and we enjoy higher nutrition levels to preserve our health. The ECO Farm practices over a period of time can reduce expenses on chemicals and fertilizers, water, labor for tilling soil to name a few.
ECO Farms are a boon for the community often engaging people from all walks of life
including the farmer types, food pantries, community agencies, farm to table programs, under served populations for example. Programs at ECO Farms often include participants that are looking to improve the quality of life to support their fellow humankind. There are educational opportunities and volunteer programs that enable sharing of food harvest to local pantries and other groups to to donate to those in need.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of an ecology farm is its long-term sustainability. By preserving the environment, nurturing the soil, and promoting responsible land use, these farms can continue to produce food and resources for future generations.