Urban Agriculture

[Frank Callo]

Below is a link to an interview with James Howard Kunstler on the subject of urban agriculture.  I think it mightbe interest to use this as the basis for a discussion of urban ag.  We are in largely unchgarted territory with respect to the subject of food production in urban settings.  What do y'all think?

 

http://kunstlercast.com/shows/KunstlerCast_114_Agrarian_Urbanism.html

[Jennifer A. Hoffman]

I agree with JHK that 10 story terrariums are not feasible. There is a balance of what can be done and what should be done. If an infrastructure requires enormous resources to create, it will likely take just as much to sustain and will be a drain on its surroundings.

I see the biggest issue is the apathy of residents in an urban area. They see gardens as quaint and old-fashioned, but are unwilling to invest time in making one. For me it is easy, as the garden is a part of my personal enjoyment, my selected hobby. The city is filled with people who would rather go to the grocery store any day, and not spend time in the heat tending the soil. So, therefore, if residents do not participate in local food production, how will it be executed? A new type of public employee? I hope that only the competent are hired. Since there is no food emergency, people are not compelled to act on their own behalf at this time. Were there an emergency, what then? Fights in the seed asile at the Co-op? Ripe tomatoes stolen in the middle of the night?
Constant education of those around us must be the goal, pushing reasonable small steps that the neighbors can tolerate. I believe it will take individual actors presenting a uniform message to reach the tipping point.

I consider myself lucky to have come from a rural family, with a history of subsistence farming. No commercial crops, what was grown/raised was what was eaten. Many people look at me like I have come from the other side of the moon, and profess no understanding about making things grow, or helping animals thrive. I think we need to educate the neigbors, and have them bring their children into our gardens. I learned as a child, and it now feels as natural as breathing. I am trying to make the most of my 1/4 acre.

[Jennifer A. Hoffman]

Hi Mark,

I have not looked at that book past the info on Amazon and it looks great! I am glad to help in any way I can, and I know the members of the Guild are ready to help you too. Let me know how it goes. I look forward to hearing about your efforts.

Best regards,
Jennifer