Urban farming catches interest
By BRYN WEESE,
SUN MEDIA
Last Updated: 6th February 2009, 5:08am

Imagine corn growing beside the Gardiner, or tomatoes in the median of University Ave.

Urban food production isn't just for backyards anymore, and the city's parks and environment committee yesterday heard from urban farming fans trying to help develop a new city policy on growing fruits and veggies in the Big Smoke. The committee report is expected in a few months.

It was standing-room only for the expert panel presentations.

BACKYARDS

"Why are we only growing flowers in our yards?" Councillor Paula Fletcher asked reporters after the meeting. "A lot of people already have their backyards turned over to agricultural production. I'm envisioning that we're assisting in small-scale food production in the city," she said.

One of the problems for the city's green thumbs eager to feed their families with Toronto-grown food is that the city's policies on urban food production pre-date amalgamation and it's easier to get a community garden in one corner of the city than another.

Fletcher said there are, in fact, some lands within city limits, particularly in Scarborough, that are still zoned agricultural, "but they are not being used in that way."

PUBLIC LAND

Debbie Field, the executive director of Toronto's Food Share, said yesterday's information session with presentations from city staff, urban food production advocates and experts was encouraging.

She and like-minded supporters understand the need of the city to balance sometimes-conflicting interests.

"But we think there is enough public land in the city to give us, as a movement, the yes message," Field said. "Yes, we want you to grow food in the city."

The city staff report and recommendations to harmonize and improve the city's policies on urban food production is expected to be in front of the parks and environment committee in a few months.