Description
Book SynopsisA useful manual for anyone interested in turning the concrete jungle green . . . a must-have for any urban dweller serious about farming. Publishers Weekly
In Farm the City, Michael Ableman, the Spartacus of Sustainable Food Activism, offers a guide to setting up and running a successful urban farm, derived from the success of Sole Food Street Farms, one of the largest urban agriculture enterprises in North America. Sole Food Street Farms spans four acres of land in Vancouver, produces twenty-five tons of food annually, provides meaningful work for dozens of disadvantaged people, and has improved the surrounding community in countless ways. Coverage includes:
- Selecting land and choosing the right crops
- Growing food in city farms, including plans for planting and harvesting
- Fundraising and marketing strategies, philosophies, and vital information for selling fresh products
- Navigating local government and regulations
- Engaging the community and building meaningful livelihoods
Farm the City is an invaluable tool kit for entrepreneurs and activists looking to create economic and social value through urban agriculture.
Urban farming has the power to change diets, economies, and lives. Yet starting an urban farm can seem daunting with skills and knowledge that extend beyond growing to include marketing, sales, employees, community relations, and navigating local regulations. With this comprehensive guide, you'll be running a successful urban farm in no time.
A story of how to bring cities back to life, literally and emotionally . . . Local food not only addresses quality of life, economy, and food security, it changes our hearts . . . [a] wonderfully written testament to life. Paul Hawken, New York Times bestselling author of Drawdown
Table of ContentsACKNOWLEDGMENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: PLANNING
Mission
Experiential Capital
Financial Capital
Fundraising Principles
Selecting and Accessing Land
Permits and Policy Challenges
CHAPTER 2: GROWING
Infrastructure
Soil/Fertility
What to Grow
Time, Space, and the Importance of a Farm Plan
Creating an Annual Farm Plan
Implementing the Plans
Crop Rotation
Soil Preparation
Propagation
Direct Seeding vs. Transplanting
Beginner's Mind: Walking, Seeing, and Responding
Never Weed, Always Cultivate
Water Wisdom
Pests and Diseases
Season Extension
Birth, Delivery, and Postnatal Care (Harvest/Post Harvest)
Alive and Still Moving
CHAPTER 3: MARKETING
Where and To Whom
Farmers' Markets
Onsite Retail
CSA
Restaurant Sales
Direct to Retail Sales
Wholesale
Value-Added
Pricing
Your Story
CHAPTER 4: PEOPLE AND PRINCIPLES
The Human Element
Urban Farming Manifesto
An Urban Orchard
INDEX
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT NEW SOCIETY PUBLISHERS
