Title : City as Farm: City Dwellers Love to Grow Food
link : City as Farm: City Dwellers Love to Grow Food
City as Farm: City Dwellers Love to Grow Food
Did you know that almost half of all Australian households grow some food? Incredible! Also more than a quarter of food consumed in Australia comes from urban and peri-urban areas - on just 3% of agricultural land. That’s amazing! Many cities are filled with pockets of food - but they could be have so much more.
 |
| Corridor of green around the old city of Ljubljana, Slovenia where so many people grow their food locally and take surplus to market. |
 |
| I was delighted to offer a one of the mini keynote presentations at the start of the Australian Urban Agriculture Forum in Melbourne last weekend. Photo: Nick Rose: Sustain Australia |
For some people growing food in the city seems like the right thing to do - even if it’s just flavouring meals with some freshly plucked herbs. However for many around the world, urban agriculture is essential for survival. Many in poor countries spend over half over their income on food. It’s estimated that globally, around 800 million people are involved in urban agriculture producing around 20% of the food.
 |
| Cuban farmer explaining how, because of the food and fuel crisis, he moved his farm from a rural village to a kindergarden. Photo: Evan Raymond |
AUSTRALIAN URBAN AGRICULTURE FORUM - October 21-22, 2016
I’ve just returned from 4 days in Melbourne. I am so glad I made the trip to be part of the Australian Urban Agriculture Forum organised by Sustain Australia and The University of Melbourne (Urban Horticulture Program). I haven’t written for a week because I’ve been so absolutely immersed in preparing, sharing, listening, exploring, chatting. I am now so full of stories and ideas - I’m not actually sure where to start.
I am feeling completely enlivened by the experience and connections made. It was so great to catch up with many old friends, and to meet so many other amazing urban agriculture people from around Australia and the world.
 |
| Photo: Morag Gamble |
It was a delight to spend one of the days with Costa (ABC Gardening Australia) again too. I just love tossing ideas around with all our local food enthusiasts and active practitioners. It renews my energy, commitment and excitement about the work I do.
For as long as I can remember I’ve been involved in various forms of urban agriculture - both in Australia and around the world. Since the forum, my mind has been abuzz with possibilities and I can feel the potential bubbling. Here's my 3 minute summary at the end of the two days of proceedings.