Sustainability

The County of Hastings County includes Hastings County, the City of Belleville and the City of Quinte West and the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, with its forests, farmland, lakes, rivers and small and large communities, is well situated to lead in the field of alternative energy development, conservation of natural resources, sustainable agriculture and forestry and artisan food production.

Harvest Hastings is about living lightly on the land. Sustainability has four sections on land stewardship, tree planting, managing woods and wildlife at Caring for Land; discussion about Climate Change; finfd out about Green Communities, and read about what's happening in Local Agriculture. There are Audio, Videos, and a Photo Gallery. Look for "Know your farmer" video or audio interviews with local farmers and other producers. Web links has l links to local organizations as well as provincial ones. Check Coming Events to find workshops, agricultural events, community meals and much more. Above all get outand explore

Latest Articles

Ministry of the Environment Issues Order and Lays Charge Against Waste Management for Stormwater Discharge from Richmond Landfill

Recent inspections by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) of the stormwater management facility at the Richmond Landfill near Napanee have resulted in the issuance of a Provincial Officer’s Order and a Provincial Offences Notice against Waste Management of Canada Corporation (WM).

Caring for Land

Minister, farmers sow seeds

Local farmers said they are encouraged after a brief meeting in Belleville Saturday with federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz. Daryl Kramp, MP for Prince Edward-Hastings, organized the meeting between Ritz, government staff and about a dozen farmers from a wide variety of farming sectors.

Local Agriculture

The rising price of food

Food prices are on the rise around the world. Some countries have predicted that the rise in food prices will bring food shortages for future generations, and protests have ignited over the higher costs for food.

Local Agriculture

Working towards a National Food Strategy

February 14, 2011 by Louise Livingstone

Canada currently does not have a long-term vision for the agriculture and food sector. Agricultural policy is developed within five-year budgetary cycles that may or may not address the reality of the issues at hand. In today's global crisis - increase in the world's population from 6.8 to 9 billion by 2050, climate change affecting production patterns, fossil fuels reserves being depleted and unprecedented economic challenges - this lack of planning is increasingly troublesome.

The National Food Strategy (NFS) is an industry led initiative with an objective to develop a mission and long-term strategy for the Canadian food system together with all players along the food chain from primary production, input, distributors, processors, retail and consumers.

Local Agriculture

Musings from the midden and other worthy places: engagement.

February 12, 2011 by Springhill Farm

Hearing about the changes occurring in Egypt is inspiring to say the least. Indeed, if we needed a reminder to show how effective people power can be, there it is right in front of us.

Green Communities

Avenue at the Carlyle Farm, Stirling

February 11, 2011 by Louise Livingstone

Some farms in Hastings County have beautiful avenues of trees along their drive ways like these maples at the Carlyle Farm near Stirling. Please send in pictures and stories about your favourite tress for the Hastings Stewardship Council's Anniversary Trees Calendar.

Avenue of trees at the Carlyle's farm near Stirling.

Caring for Land

Quinte Region Source Water Protection Committee Meeting

February 11, 2011 by Louise Livingstone

There will be a meeting of the Quinte Region Source Protection Committee on February 24, 2011 from 7 to 9p.m. at Quinte Conservation. The public and media are welcome.

Event Date and Time:

February 24, 2011 - 19:00 - 21:00

Caring for Land

A common agricultural heritage Hastings County and Aberdeenshire, Scotland

February 9, 2011 by Louise Livingstone

A common agricultural heritage Hastings County and Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Check out the videos of Vintage Plowing in at Tough by Alford, Aberdeenshire in October 2002.

Local Agriculture

Maple Syrup – Operations and Opportunities

February 9, 2011 by Louise Livingstone

The Haliburton Highlands Stewardship Council, in partnership with the Parry Sound-Muskoka Stewardship Network, and the Bancroft Area Stewardship Council, is pleased to announce Maple Syrup – Operations and Opportunities.

Event Date and Time:

February 25, 2011 - 09:00 - 15:00

Local Agriculture

Food for Thought for Grade Four to Eight in Madoc

February 3, 2011 by Louise Livingstone

Elementary school students can learn about cooking and making healthy decisions about food at the Food For Thought program in Madoc. Food for Thought is a six week long cooking program for children in Grades three to eight. It builds children’s confidence in the kitchen, provides fun tools for food safety and healthy eating, and sends the children home with affordable recipes for them to try out.

Event Date and Time:

February 3, 2011 - 13:00

Green Communities