Water
From Martin
I'm writing about water this morning, but since I have water problems of my own (I'm digging up a couple of expired cattle waterers), I'll keep it short.
Conventional
For conventional agriculture, pretty much any water source is acceptable so long as the crop or animal growth aren't affected too significantly. Agricultural toxicity and industrial pollutants are very common.
Much of mainstream food is sourced from China where the water is increasingly contaminated.
Certified Organic
Many organic farming operations must access their water from polluted sources. This has led to "E. coli in the organic spinach" and "arsenic in the organic rice" headlines. I certainly don't hold this against the organic farmers as many of them are dismayed by the way their water is treated.
However, there is no excuse for sourcing organic produce from China, which is where more and more of it is coming from. Consumers have clearly demonstrated their desire for cheap food, even in the organic sector, and the industry has responded, delivering accountability-free food from the polluted wastelands of China.
Another aspect to consider is the use of city water with its load of chemicals, such as fluoride and chloramine. Organic certification does not preclude the use of city water for agriculture.
While using city water for irrigation is uncommon, the use of city water in processing is very common. The government doesn't care what you spray on your vegetables while they're growing, but they're very concerned about what you wash them with the moment they're harvested. Figure that one out.
Harvest Haven Certified
We're thankful to have excellent irrigation water here at our farm. In fact, most of Southern Alberta has good irrigation water available.
In addition to the clean water we receive from the St. Mary's Irrigation District, we use Grander Water Technology on all our water, including the irrigation. We've found that it reliably increases productivity, sweetness, and the storability of our produce. Our root vegetables are known to last a whole year in the old-fashioned root cellar without spoiling or even going limp. Good quality water is key to food flavour and critical for local food security.
Our livestock and household water are sourced from our beautiful pond that is faithfully recharged from the water table. Some years ago, James hopped in his excavator and dug us an incredibly deep pond.
It should go without saying at this point that we don't use any chemicals to control algae or any other organic growth. Unlike most local farmers, we aren't at all dismayed to see leaves and reeds falling into our pond. In fact, we're thrilled when native cattails and sandbar willows start to grow on the banks. We love it when poplars hang over the bank and provide shade for the fish.
We've found that with the right number of Grander Rods in the pond, our water doesn't go stagnant. Fresh water means good oxygen levels and active biology. The water is beautifully clear and clean. It's been years since I've needed to clean the rudimentary sediment filters on the lines that supply the farm.
Water is the lifeblood of the planet and the currency of the farm. Nothing tips the balance of a farm's survival more easily than its quality and availability of water.
Your quality of life is dependent on the quality of your farmer's water.
