1. HOME PAGE
For a long time, agriculture was considered to be the cultivation of primary food crops. Today, it is more than just the production of food crops, it includes poultry, dairy, fruits, forestry, bee keeping and so much more.
At aagardfarms, we believe every farmer today must strive to practice sustainable agriculture. This is a system of farming that is responsible, effective and efficient. It is also considered to be viable and just. Modern farming should be ethical, sustainable and profitable.
Agriculture is a prominent feature of the Manitoba region of Canada. More people are gaining interest in practicing food production. There are a lot of attention and controversy surrounding food and agriculture. Considering the consequences of conventional agriculture, the threat to food security and health, growing demand for organic food and the benefits of sustainable agriculture, animal rights etc. Farming has become a huge topic of discussion all across the world. There are lots of pressing issues concerning agriculture.
Conventional agriculture must be made sustainable for farmers, communities, resources through the practice of environmentally friendly and profitable methods of farming. Modern agriculture should be complemented with sustainable agriculture. Our true value and that of our products are rewarded through sustainable farming. Organic farming provides vital lessons for sustainable agriculture. It brings back the traditional farming practices while making use of new technologies successfully on both large and small ranches and farms.
We strongly believe that sustainable agriculture is profitable, ethical, supports farmers and communities and is ecologically sound.
2. About Us page
Aagardfarms is the outcome of decades of commitment, hard work and learning from mistakes to produce local and sustainably farmed foods in Winnipeg.
We believe that sustainable development is possible when farmers are put at the heart of policy decisions. The source of food security must be the focus of governments, entrepreneurs, scientists and the rest of the society.
Through proper markets, joint research and sharing of knowledge all stakeholders can work together to ensure all farmers, particularly the smallholders, practice more sustainable agriculture. Family farming can be made more ecological and sustainable through the building and sharing knowledge. There are unique needs for every farm and community. Through sharing of knowledge, farmers can adapt to the dynamic and unpredictable circumstances.
Our philosophy is that agricultural development must have a broad and knowledge based approach. It must focus on the farmers, the tools and knowledge they require to produce food and access markets. Most smallholder farmers are still struggling despite the technological advances in modern agriculture that have increased production levels.
We trust that through innovation, increased investment and incentives sustainable agriculture can deliver social and environmental development with increased production. Farmers can play their role as the guardians of the environment and ecosystem allowing the community enjoy greater biodiversity. The benefits of sustainable farming can be realized if farmers are the heart of it.
To achieve food security, we must increase productivity and sustainability. This will lead to better land management, efficient production, and economic development.
We empower farmers to participate in policy creation that allows them to succeed through knowledge sharing.
Contact Us
At Aagaardfarms, we look forward to engaging with farmers regarding their challenges and experiences. Please share your comments and feedback with us!
Once you become a member of The Aagaardsfarms blog, you can also share your own ideas and experience about sustainable agriculture on the weekly blog forums.
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ORGANIC FARMING
When we talk about organic farming we are referring to the link between production methods of the foods we consume and our health. It is a form of agriculture that is based upon farming methods such as biological pest control, compost or green manure and crop rotation.
Organic farming has set standards that guide what farmers who practice organic farming are allowed to do. These standards focus on the conservation of ecological system.
Organic farming derives its name from the organic matter used by farmers as the alternative to synthetic fertilizer. Organic farmers apply techniques that respect and support the natural processes for the conservation of the environment. It promotes good farm ecology.
Organic farming techniques provide the best and most practical way of handling food production and climate change. Since it does not rely on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and provides resilience when confronted with extreme climatic conditions.
It helps to reduce greenhouse emissions by packing high carbon levels in the soil. This would help offset the carbon levels in Canada significantly if organic agriculture was practiced.
These are the facts about organic agriculture:
• Prohibits use of synthetic fertilizers
The use of artificial fertilizers is not allowed in organic farming. The alternative is to use organic matter such as manure or compost, nitrogen fixing plants such as clover and crop rotation to maintain a healthy and fertile soil.
• Prohibits the use of pesticides
Organic farming only allows biological methods to control pest instead of using pesticides.
• Ethical treatment of animals
The organic farming advocates for animal welfare. It calls for farm animals to have a truly free-range life. Crop and animal rotation and diversity over different seasons boosts soil fertility and assists in breaking the cycle of pests.
• Bans the use of antibiotics/wormers
Organic farming prefers preventative methods rather than the use of drugs, wormers, and antibiotics. This would mean limiting flock sizes and transferring animals to fresh pasture.
• Bans GMOs
It does not allow the use of genetically modified crops and products.
Organic farming may cost more at the moment but in the long run, the prices will come down owing to the immense benefits it will have on the environment and the increased cost of artificial fertilizers.
BLOG 1
Concern over the use of antibiotics in animal farming in Winnipeg
There is growing concern over the use of antibiotics in animal farming by Winnipeg residents. Doctors have confirmed a few cases of antibiotic resistant bacteria in pig farms. The possibility of antibiotic residues has led to concerns among the general population.
This is not the first time the issue of antibiotics resistance has come up. It is widely known according to studies that there is a link between bacteria resistance and antibiotic consumption.
• Antibiotic Overuse in farm animals
The intensive modern farming techniques essential for economic viability provide a conducive environment for the accelerated growth of the population of bacteria. This together with the regular poor administration of antibiotics to animals, failure to complete antibiotic courses and medicated feed spillage all provide the most suitable conditions for the growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria on the farm. Farmers cannot afford the time and cost that is required to intervene and correct the impact of the infections on their animals.
• Disinfecting for biosecurity
One of the key elements to the structural biosecurity of your farm installations is the use of properly tested disinfectants. While antibiotics are limited to bacteria disinfectants cover a broad spectrum of infectious agents such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Disinfection of farm installations can easily and safely reduce the bacteria level exposure to animals. Disinfectants can also eliminate antibiotic resistant bacteria if used correctly. Vaccination programs to control other diseases are more effective when bacteria loads are reduced through disinfection.
• Limited antibiotics for humans
What is increasing the concern is the routine use of antibiotic treatment in animals for non-illness. Human health is negatively impacted when one consumes meat tainted with low level or resistant bacteria or antibiotics. In as much there is little difference in the classes of antibiotics used in animals and from those in healthcare, animal antibiotic resistance in animals makes it difficult to treat human infections.
• Prevention over Cure
The best approach for farmers in Winnipeg is prevention rather than cure. Instead of overusing antibiotics on farm animals it is better to invest in biosecurity to not only protect your animals but also the reputation of your farm and raise your earnings.
BLOG 2
Increased demand for organic food in Winnipeg
The popularity of organic food is increasing among Winnipeg residents. Most people have a challenge checking out and understanding the organic food labels. What makes organic food a healthier option? Is it true that conventional farming methods such as the use of pesticides and GMOs can lead to cancer and other serious illnesses? We have outlined a few ideas to help you select the healthiest and environmentally friendly organic foods. You should be able to include more organic foods into your daily diet.
The best way to begin leading a healthier life is to have a strong dedication to eating healthy. Apart from consuming a balanced diet and healthy oils, you must also be concerned about the safety of food and sustainability. The way food is produced has an impact on health and the environment.
There are certain standards that have to be met for food to be labeled as organic. Organic actually refers to the manner in which agricultural products are produced. For food to qualify as organic it must meet these standards:
• Grown in safe soil.
• Free of any modifications
• Isolated from Conventional Products
• No use of synthetic pesticides
• Free of GMOs and its ingredients
• Grown without use of oil based/ sewage sludge based fertilizer
• Organically farmed animals must be allowed to be a truly free range.
• The animals must not be given antibiotics.
• No use of growth hormone
• The animals must not be given animal byproducts etc.
Organic foods have numerous benefits such as higher nutrients such as antioxidants compared to conventionally grown foods. Eating organic foods helps reduce allergic symptoms since they are free of chemicals and preservatives. The benefits of organic foods include the following:
• Pesticide Free
Pesticide residues found in conventionally grown foods cause allergies and illnesses. Eating organic foods will save you from allergies caused by farm chemicals.
• Fresher Food
Organic foods are normally sourced locally from the nearby farms allowing you to eat fresh food. Since it is free of preservatives it stay fresher longer and tastes great.
• Healthy and Safe
Organic farming is environmentally friendly which means less pollution and soil erosion, ecological conservation, better soil fertility and less effort. This makes organic agriculture safe for the community, animals, and surroundings.
• No use of Antibiotics
The use of antibiotics in farm animals is linked to antibiotic resistance which is serious especially for humans. Conventionally produced meat products are tainted with low levels of antibiotics and strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance makes it difficult to treat human infections. Organically farmed animals are also free range which allows the animals enough space limited the growth of bacteria.
• Free of GMOs
GMO refers to Genetically Modified Organism. These are bioengineered animals and plants that have their DNA modified to become more resistant. Organic foods are free of GMOs and even organic meat is produced from animals fed organic foods.