I, a citizen of Florida, have been inspired by the philosophy presented in the "Ringing Cedars of Russia" book series, which envisions a sustainable and harmonious way of life. The idea of creating tax-free legacy land to pass down to future generations in perpetuity has motivated me to take meaningful steps toward this vision.
Currently, I own a small plot, about 80 by 100 feet, where I reside and cultivate my suburban home garden, which I affectionately call my "Yarden of Eatin’." This space is comparable in size to a traditional Russian dacha garden plot, on which much of the food of that country is grown by the dachniks every summer. Over the past four years, I have been slowly but steadily transforming my small plot using permaculture design methods, with help from my permaculture friends in the area. However, this is not enough land to sustain me, let alone a small family. Also, my neighbors do not share my vision.
I plan to acquire a larger plot of land, at least two-and-a-half acres, in a rural area, with the goal of establishing a legacy land for myself and my descendants, and in memory of my ancestors. On this land, I will create a thriving ecosystem that will provide for my family’s needs and nurture the surrounding environment. I intend to lay out gardens, establish a pond to support aquatic life, and cultivate fruit, berries, vegetables, and pollinators such as bees. I will also cultivate a relationship with a variety of animals to live on and support the land with me and the family I will establish there. All cultivation will rely on natural, sustainable methods of fertilization, grounded in native and regenerative practices.
I envision a future where many families with the skills and commitment to work the land will cultivate legacy lands near both large and small cities. These families will have the ability to supply urban populations with ecologically sound produce, positively influencing food security and local ecological health.
I am concerned that millions of acres across our country are left uncultivated, while a significant portion of our food is imported, often at the expense of quality and safety. I believe this situation jeopardizes our food security and undermines the resilience of communities nationwide.
Instead of focusing on government errors, I believe we must each consider concrete steps we can take to foster positive change. History has shown that economies centered solely on profit-driven agriculture have led to harmful practices, such as the use of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers and genetically modified crops, which compromise public health. A family cultivating its legacy land, however, has a caring, direct relationship with the land, growing food primarily for its own use and that of loved ones, resulting in healthier and more responsibly grown surplus for the community.
The ongoing global economic crisis threatens social stability in many nations. To navigate this, I believe we need a renewed vision for family life and land use. The philosophy set forth in the "Ringing Cedars of Russia" book series offers such a vision, and I am committed to taking steps to bring it to life.
I will support any efforts by Florida and other state governments to establish policies encouraging families to build sustainable homes and cultivate legacy lands beyond city limits. I believe each plot should be no less than two-and-a-half acres to enable families to establish thriving, self-sustaining ecosystems.
If families are not allocated a large enough plot of land, the legacy land communities will remain net consumers instead of becoming producers, which will only exacerbate the food, ecological and social situation in the state. I consider it essential for us to urgently ask our state governments to consider work in this direction and adopt the necessary laws regarding legacy lands.
I urge the governor and legislators of Florida, the president and congress of the United States, representatives of the United Nations, and all states and countries invested in the well-being of their people to consider the potential of legacy lands. I recommend that they examine and embrace the idea that creating legacy lands for their citizens is the most effective plan for enabling humanity to come out of the global economic crisis, avert the approaching ecological catastrophe, and avoid a food crisis.
With hope and determination, I join countless others around the world who are dedicated to creating legacy lands. Together, we work toward a beautiful future for our families and for our shared planet.
Signed,
/s/ DaVeed Montané
(posted on election day, 2024)
No comments:
Post a Comment