Interest in local agriculture is surging—whether it’s urban, rural, roof-top, or front-yard—and the benefits may be huge

Urban agriculture is surging in British Columbia and across North America, resulting in a growing network of small-scale farms, rooftop, back- and front-yard gardens, and community gardening initiatives. The potential benefits to the gardener-farmers and communities have also become apparent—including the alleviation of poverty and waste, the promotion of sustainable development, reductions in crime, an increased sense of community, improved nutrition, and a host of ecological benefits. (more…)

Interest in local agriculture is surging—whether it’s urban, rural, roof-top, or front-yard—and the benefits may be huge

Urban agriculture is surging in British Columbia and across North America, resulting in a growing network of small-scale farms, rooftop, back- and front-yard gardens, and community gardening initiatives. The potential benefits to the gardener-farmers and communities have also become apparent—including the alleviation of poverty and waste, the promotion of sustainable development, reductions in crime, an increased sense of community, improved nutrition, and a host of ecological benefits. (more…)

Working in harmony with natural principles, method maximizes effect while minimizing the work involved

“Permaculture is about creating a world where we can live indefinitely,” writes Javan Kerby Bernakevitch. The term was coined as a combination of the words permanent and agriculture, and then permanent and culture, and its origins as a movement and educational approach can be traced back to the late 1970s.

Permaculture is finding its way into educational programs and local initiatives, and in the process becoming a local response to larger problems. In Edmonton, a high school’s Aboriginal 30 class provides a way for new, more sustainable forms of growing food to be combined with aboriginal traditions. And instructors such as those at Permaculture BC are focusing on theory and hands-on activities for people who want to incorporate this approach to sustainability and food security more deeply into their lives. (more…)

Urban food production and sustainability challenge notions of private property and home ownership

Dirk Becker’s Vancouver Island urban farm was ordered shut down last year by the District of Lantzville after a neighbour complained about farming-related activities. Dirk and Nicole Shaw had spent five years creating the rich urban farm and selling produce at Bowen Road Farmers’ Market—but Lantzville’s home business bylaws didn’t include ‘agriculture’ among its regulations.

In the weeks following the story’s publication, Dirk Becker and Nicole Shaw were contacted by hundreds of supportive people—and the story was reported internationally. Local advocates for urban agriculture asked that steps be taken to review the bylaw and amend it to accommodate urban agriculture. The Lantzville mayor later confirmed that the District wished to modify its bylaws. (more…)

Gleaning is facing some challenges but new projects are moving the work forward

Nanaimo has an abundance of fruit, nuts and vegetables growing in backyards and farmers fields throughout the region. Often gardeners and farmers grow more than they can use or share and the surplus goes to waste. Nanaimo Community Gardens’ gleaning program works to help respond to hunger and poverty in the community by coordinating gleaning efforts to share food that would otherwise go unused. But gleaning has faced challenges this year, for a number of reasons. (more…)