Tag Archives: Vancouver Urban Farming Forum

Vancouver Urban Farming Forum resources

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This weekend’s Vancouver Urban Farming Forum starts tomorrow and I’m really looking forward to attending it. Thoughtful discourse and solutions-based discussions on the topic of food security at a local level are SO important right now. The current industrial, global food system is completely unsustainable and unhealthy for the planet and all living things on it. It’s time for people to regain control of their food and find empowerment and fulfillment while doing so. The fact that urban farming discussions are taking place in cities around the world (in partnership between the grassroots and municiple levels) indicates an acknowledged need for change and a desire to explore new ideas (and return to some ideas of the past that were – and still are being – bulldozed over by the big business agriculture industry). This is an exciting thing!

In advance of this weekend’s forum, attendees have been receiving ‘homework’: background information about the topics to be covered as well as other interesting urban farming information. I thought I’d post the links here for others to find because it all looks really interesting. Enjoy!

Victoria:


Lantzville (oh, where to start?!):


Seattle:


San Francisco:


Vancouver:


Provincial:


Other:

 

Vancouver Urban Farming Forum 2011

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Okay, so the policy geek in me is SO excited about this upcoming Vancouver Urban Farming Forum (Nov. 25-26). Transitioning cities towards future planning and policy practices that include (and even prioritize) urban farming is so important (in my opinion) and something that is so fun to daydream about. I love thinking about all the un-utilized and under-utilized space in cities being transformed into healthy, green, food producing plots. The list of potential benefits is varied and inspiring: improved aesthetics, air quality and soil quality; increased availability of healthy, locally-grown food that tackles food security issues related to affordability and decreased dependence on fossil fuels as part of the food production/delivery model; improved biodiversity levels in urban areas; elevated opportunities for reconnecting ourselves emotionally, mentally and spiritually with food and the environment; etc. I’m SO glad that Vancouver’s city officials are interested and open to exploring this important topic and I’m excited to hear what they and the urban farmer presenters will have to say.

I’ll be in attendance at the forum, taking notes and tweeting conversation tid-bits that I find inspiring and intriguing. In addition to listening to and being part of the discussions taking place, I’m really looking forward to the networking opportunities at the forum. I’m sure there’ll be some cool farmers with good advice and ideas that I’ll be able to take back to our farm with me.

Register for the early bird price of $25 before Oct. 21st if you’re interested in attending.