Urban Farming
Photo credit: Baltimore Sun/Barbara Haddock Taylor
My colleague here at The Sun, Julie Scharper, is writing about urban farming in Baltimore today.
It seems the city of Baltimore has 10 one-acre plots -- which are now just vacant lots -- that it is going to turn over to people willing to vegetable garden. As many as 40 city acres have been indentified as potential "farm" land.
Denzel Mitchell of the Belair-Edison neighborhood in east Baltimore is shown in the photo above working at Five Seeds Farm, his community garden. The city would like to replicate the success of this garden on other vacant lots.
City officials will accept applications until early next month from those who would like to cultivate city plots. Those applying should demonstrate knowledge of the practical and business aspects of managing an agricultural operation.
There will be a workshop Saturday morning from 9:30 to 12:30 at Real Food Farm, 2801 St. Lo Drive to learn more about the practical skills needed for food production in the city. Topics will include: vermiculture & composting, irrigation, microgreen cultivation, crop & livestock integration, and kid-friendly activities. (To register, please e-mail realfoodfarm@civicworks.com or call 410-366-8533 ext. 203)
The proposed farms would be near the city's "food deserts" — urban expanses bereft of stores that sell produce and other healthful foods. Eventually, the farmers could sell their crops at new farmers' markets in these areas.
Comments
To download the RFQ and related forms, as well as an informational presentation on the RFQ process and a list of resources for aspiring farmers, visit this page and scroll down to the bottom, under "Urban Agriculture": http://www.baltimoresustainability.org/resources/index.aspx
Posted by: Abby Cocke | April 21, 2011 4:21 PM
Sorry, it occurred to me after I submitted my comment that I didn't explain the term "RFQ." :) On March 25, the city released a "Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Urban Agriculture in the City of Baltimore" -- this is the application that prospective farmers have to fill out in order to be qualified to negotiate leases for the land you mention above.
Posted by: Abby Cocke | April 21, 2011 4:24 PM
This is the type of story that needs to be continuously promoted until all of the available plots are filled. It's such a wonderful opportunity on so many levels.
Posted by: Michelle Brown | April 21, 2011 5:41 PM
I completely agree with Michelle! Gardening is such a great way to connect with your food and people :) Really great way to educate my son about where his food comes from too... also really helps in the veggie-eating department!
Yes to Carrots is doing something similar with a Yes to Seed Fund to help schools build gardens thru grants.
Happy earth week!
Posted by: Charisse | April 21, 2011 11:28 PM
For those who have a large enough harvest, consider sharing some of it with your neighbors in need.
People who need to use food banks/food pantries/food shelves to help feed their families (about 1 out of 6 Americans) almost never have the opportunity to get fresh produce.
You can help... visit www.AmpleHarvest.org to find a neighborhood food pantry eager for your garden bounty (and if you know of a food pantry in your community that is not listed on AmpleHarvest.org, urge the pantry to register.... its free!). See CNNs report on AmpleHarvest.org at www.AmpleHarvest.org/cnn.
Help your community by reaching into your backyard instead of your back pocket.
Heard you the first time, Gary! -- Susan
Posted by: Gary | May 12, 2011 10:55 PM