Urban farm in Chicago, IL from Wikipedia Images.
Food security, local eating, food justice for the poor. This article in the Oakland Tribune describes a movement I see growing all around me. I have hope.
Security, business drive small farm revival - Inside Bay Area.
In counties around the Bay Area, there's a similar burst of agriculture in formerly empty fields, vacant lots and backyards.
Older farms, survivors of a long-gone pastoral era, are also facing a fresh future as new markets and policies support their operations. And a new generation of farmers dedicated to environmentally-friendly practices and equitable distribution of fresh foods are starting new endeavors with colorful names.
From 2002 to 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported a surge in the growth of small farms in the Bay Area, with a 24 percent increase in Alameda County, 7 percent in Contra Costa County, 8 percent in San Mateo County, 4 percent in Santa Clara County, and 13 percent in Napa County. (The agency didn't survey San Francisco.)
It's a trend occurring nationwide, as the number of U.S. farms grew 4 percent during that time.
I hate to be negative, but I hope that folks who start urban farms have the soil tested for heavy metals. Some sites will simply not be suitable for agriculture, if because of lead accumulation due to years of traffic. I don't know much about this area: perhaps your brother is better informed?
Posted by: Alison Chaiken | May 18, 2009 at 07:15 AM
I just saw an article about this. Many people around here farm in raised beds for just that reason. It is indeed important to have your soil tested, especially if you suspect you are on a former fruit orchard as we are.
Posted by: Leila Abu-Saba | May 18, 2009 at 04:36 PM