Saving farmland : the fight for real food and the future of land conservancy

When Nathalie Chambers and her husband, David, first took over Madrona Farm, 27 acres on southern Vancouver Island with a deep history, they never thought their small-scale agricultural business would blossom into an international political act. As pressures from heirs, land developers and industrial farmers grew alongside their rows of organically produced food, the Chambers took action. Considered by many to be revolutionary and by some to be rebellious, their story opened many eyes to the future of food. __Saving Farmland__ introduces readers to stories of lost farmland and bees saving lives. It shows how sustainability, ecosystems and biodiversity transcend the paradox of our own, man-made losses. __Saving Farmland__ describes overcoming obstacles, choosing models, identifying vital farmland, building community and fundraising. Concluding stories of commonly shared land, international trusts, regained farmland and several heroes provide ongoing inspiration. This practical book teems with fascinating history and facts. __Saving Farmland__ will help us all support local farming and sustainable land development so we can indulge in good eating forever. "When Nathalie Chambers and her husband, David, first took over Madrona Farm, 27 acres on southern Vancouver Island with a deep history, they never thought their small-scale agricultural business would blossom into an international political act. As pressures from heirs, land developers and industrial farmers grew alongside their rows of organically produced food, the Chambers took action. Considered by many to be revolutionary and by some to be rebellious, their story opened many eyes to the future of food. Saving Farmland introduces readers to stories of lost farmland and bees saving lives. It shows how sustainability, ecosystems and biodiversity transcend the paradox of our own, man-made losses. Saving Farmland describes overcoming obstacles, choosing models, identifying vital farmland, building community and fundraising. Concluding stories of commonly shared land, international trusts, regained farmland and several heroes provide ongoing inspiration.This practical book teems with fascinating history and facts. Saving Farmland will help us all support local farming and sustainable land development so we can indulge in good eating--forever"-- Provided by publisher Contents Foreword Preface Introduction Part One: Understand the Issues One: Hear the Stories Two: Welcome the Bees Three: Taste the Connections Four: Embrace Ecosystems Five: Encourage Biodiversity Six: Transcend the Paradox Part Two: Take Action Seven: Overcome the Obstacles Eight: Choose a Model Nine: Identify Vital Farmland Ten: Build Community Eleven: Fundraise, Fundraise, Fundraise Part Three: Keep It Up Twelve: Trust the Commons Thirteen: Share Mutual Success Fourteen: Keep Surging Forward Acknowledgements Select Bibliography Notes Saving Farmland shows how sustainability, ecosystems and biodiversity transcend the paradox of man-made losses. Chambers details how to overcome obstacles, choose models, identify vital farmland, build community and raise funds. Stories of commonly shared land, international trusts, regained farmland and several real heroes provide inspiration that a future is possible where local farming and sustainable development will deliver good eating - forever--P. [4] of cover