Organic farming is best for preserving topsoil

Editor:
In response to John Miller’s contribution last week I’d like to thank him for his thoughtful input and perhaps shed some light on these concerns.
It is absolutely correct that we need to think globally as well as locally. The fact is that – along with the vital task of sequestering carbon – organic farming methods have thus far proven to be the best chance, worldwide, to save our topsoil. 
In 2014 the United Nations estimated we may have 60 years of harvest (ie. food) left globally if farming practices stay the same. There are quite a few organizations in place all over the world trying to stop this crisis. For instance, Grounded, based in South Africa, partners with farmers across the sub-Saharan desert to convert to organic, regenerative practices. More recognizably, Nestle, Danone, Kellogg’s and 16 other companies are working with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, which focuses on regenerative farming, biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. Closer to home, the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario is a great source of research-based knowledge for our local plant hardiness zones and livestock. These are examples of how farmers (of all levels) worldwide are taking the warning from the United Nations very seriously.
There is some good research into this issue: see Follow the Food – Why Soil is Disappearing from Farms (BBC) as well as the Rodale Institute which has held the longest-running (since 1981) comparative study between organic and chemical farming. Scientific American has published articles with info on saving topsoil and sequestering carbon. 
John Miller is right, farmers don’t get enough support from the federal government. This is an immense problem that we, as voters, might want to think about. But until then, we need to work together to help our farmers. We all need to be open to change, to save our soil and to reduce our carbon footprint. 
Roz Campbell,
Duntroon.