個案總覽

Supplement to 9B20M174.

Supplement to 9B20M174.

Supplement to 9B20M174.

Supplement to 9B20M174.

Blake Vince is a fifth-generation farmer who adheres to what appears to be a set of unconventional farming techniques. Most farmers prepare for planting by tilling their fields, turning over weeds and cover crops to expose the dirt underneath. Vince, however, practices "no-till" farming, leaving the top layer of soil undisturbed. Further, he allows for a variety of cover crops to grow alongside the soybean plants he cultivates. This combination of no-till and cover crop farming is thought to be more sustainable in the long run but comes at the expense of crop yields in the short run (for the first few years). There is tradition linked to the practice of tilling, but, according to Vince's research, tilling contributes to reduced soil health, decreases the ability of the soil to hold water and nutrients, and increases agricultural runoff of excess fertilizers into regional water systems. Vince's challenge is how to spread the word that farm owners should plan and act as long-term stewards if they wish to preserve the land for future generations to use. He faces an uphill battle.

Blake Vince is a fifth-generation farmer who adheres to seemingly unconventional farming techniques. Most farmers in southwestern Ontario use conventional industrial farming methods such as tilling their fields, relying on pesticides and fertilizers, and monocropping (i.e., planting the same crops on the same plot of land year after year). Vince, however, embraces more regenerative agricultural practices (such as no-till farming, wherein the top layer of soil is left undisturbed), planting cover crops, and reducing his application of chemical inputs. He uses a variety of cover crops between seasons of soybean crops to help enhance soil quality. This method of farming has been demonstrated to be more ecologically aligned, sustainable, and less costly in the long run, both economically and environmentally. However, Vince estimates that the savings come at the expense of crop yields during the first four to five years. Debates over farming practices (e.g., till versus no-till) were strong in Ontario. Farmers cared passionately about their land, and they often held strong opinions of their preferred approach, passed down through generations. Vince faces the challenge of spreading the word about regenerative agricultural practices and convincing farmers of the importance of operating as long-term stewards to preserve the land for future generations. Vince wondered whether the arguments for regenerative agricultural practices would be strong enough to persuade (a) farmers to shift their practices, (b) consumers to shift their purchasing, and (c) political leaders to introduce policies to accelerate its adoption.