Farmers have been diversifying their operations for at least a couple of decades, growing lentils and peas, and raising exotic animals such as elk, bison, and ostriches. This may be part of the solution for those living in the parkland belt, but for those
in southern Alberta and in Saskatchewan, diversification may have reached its limit, given the climate and current varieties of secondary crops. As their livelihood from farming or ranching becomes unsustainable, others have remained on the land by setting up home-based business such as bed and breakfast, farm vacations, and guest ranches.
Perhaps, though, we should look to our history for some answers. Stirling argues that producers need to think small once again. Statistics show that the small farmer can be financially successful if he moves into a niche market such as organic farming. To market their crop, organic farmers might look to forming co-operatives. Co-operatives were established in the early 20th century as a grassroots response to the monopolistic control of grain and flour milling companies. Over the decades, the co-ops have moved away from their marketing roots to become retail business. The success of a farmer-owned edible bean plant at Bow Island may point the way for further community-owned ventures that not only help people remain on the land but give back control to the farming community.
As goes the producer, so too goes small town Alberta. Those towns not graced with a railway, a new grain terminal, or a packing plant have fewer options to reestablish a thriving economic base. But looking to other models might help. Southern France has retained its pastoral charm chiefly because the government decided that the landscape was worth saving as a tourist draw. In Alberta, tourism can offer communities new opportunities. Just as the south of France is selling its heritage, so
can—and do—a number of Alberta towns. Dozens of old grain elevators have been preserved as museums and heritage sites. Main street programs encourage towns to save and promote their architectural heritage. Ecotours are springing up. It's a beginning.
All of this requires the rebirth of political activism outside party politics, according to
Roger Epp, an associate professor of Political Studies at Augustana University College in Camrose and co-editor of
Writing Off the Rural West. When Rimbey area residents successfully forced a natural gas plant to stop its sulphur emissions, they had to learn to use the political system to promote their needs. It took work. They listened. They strategized. They did their research. And they built external alliances. This last skill could be very important, because if rural communities are to be successful in retaining their quality of life, they must convince those of us who live
in the large cities that theirs is a society worth preserving. In the end, whether our rural communities and the landscape we have valued historically remain viable players in our society depends on all us.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
