>"I put far more faith in those small or large family farmers who have a
long-term connection with "their" land, and who intend to pass
well-maintained land on to their grandchildren.  They are in general the
best land stewards."

Perhaps - if they make all the right decisions - but history suggests that
many will not.

Is slash and burn so bad?  Generally it is small scale and after moving on
nature has the opportunity to reclaim the land.  Seems more sustainable than
huge family farms that often have vast monocultures and high inputs of fuel,
fertiliser and pesticides.

Best wishes

Peter 
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

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