Tell Lantzville, BC: Organic Farming is not a Crime

by: Care2.com

recipient: Lantzville City Council

In the last ten years, Canadian man Dirk Becker has transformed his property from a gravel-strewn wasteland to a self-sufficient organic farm. Now, the council of Lantzville, British Columbia has ordered him to cease all agricultural activity or face jail time.



Although Dirk's neighborhood is residentially zoned, there are only four other houses on his country road. With horses and cows in pastures just down the street from him, Dirk's one-acre farm is not out of place. Even so, the city of Lantzville has deemed that his well-maintained land is "unsightly." If Dirk doesn't destroy his farm, he could face up to six months in jail.



Every year, land prices in British Columbia have increased, preventing new farmers from acquiring property. Only 5% of the food on Vancouver Island is grown domestically. Lantzville's attempts to destroy Dirk's farm are economically and environmentally irresponsible. Demand that Lantzville redefine the zoning laws to fit urban farming today!

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[Your comments here]



Land prices in British Columbia have increased dramatically in the last decade. Local farmers must not be penalized for attempting to adapt to to the changing growing climate. I urge you to redefine the zoning laws in Lantzville to allow local homesteaders like Dirk Becker to continue to make contributions to the Lantzville community. Your persecution of Dirk Becker for growing organic food on his property smacks of short-sightedness and irresponsibility. In a time when 95% of Vancouver Island's food is imported, punishing citizens for maintaining sustainable organic farmland is an economically and environmentally unwise maneuver.[Your comments here]Land prices in British Columbia have increased dramatically in the last decade. Local farmers must not be penalized for attempting to adapt to to the changing growing climate. I urge you to redefine the zoning laws in Lantzville to allow local homesteaders like Dirk Becker to continue to make contributions to the Lantzville community.