The Quiet Revolution

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The Quiet Revolution
Liz Glaysher Tracy Badard Laurel Nye Tyler Eaton
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The quiet revolution is.

• The overall increase in agricultural
  development in urban communities.

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Why the revolution?

• There is a growing desire to know the source of
  our food and have a sense of control over its
  security.
• Urban farms in the U.S. can produce 15 times more
  per acre than rural farms.
• This movement does not require expensive
  materials, all that is needed is some land and
  people willing to tend it.
• It has the potential to affect numerous social
  issues such as the environment, personal health,
  community and cultural connection.

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• Small gardens and farms are becoming a growing
  trend within major metropolitan areas.
• In abandoned lots, rooftops and small backyard
  spaces, people are beginning to grow their own
  fruits and vegetables.
• This revolution is providing fresh produce to
  urban communities across the nation.

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Where is the revolution taking place?

• In the United States
• NYC - Green Thumb -1000 vacant lots available to
  community groups for vegetable cultivation
• Baltimore Power of Hope Gardens- 5,000 organic
  plots throughout the city devoted to homeless and
  low-income communities.
• Philadelphia- Philadelphia Green (1974) the
  largest comprehensive urban green program in
  North America. Supporting the development and
  ongoing care of community gardens and
  neighborhood parks.

• Most of these gardeners worldwide are women that
  work to supply valuable food for their local
  communities.

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Urban Agriculture
In Philadelphia

• 1950s 2 million people
• Today 1.5 million
• 30,000 vacant lots

Abandoned, trash-strewn lots sometimes
constitute more than half of a citys block area
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Philadelphia Horticulture Society (PHS)

• Uses vacant land to build community gardens
• Greening as community building tool
• Training in group development, project planning,
  and fundraising
• Horticultural education
• Revitalization projects help to rehabilitate and
  maintain 60 neighborhood parks

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• First approach
• Philadelphia Green begins stabilization by
  cleaning and mowing the grounds, laying topsoil,
  planting seeds, and adorning the area with new
  trees and fencing. In the past six years, nearly
  4 million square feet of land have undergone this
  treatment and continue to receive care.

Second approach vacant land receives routine
cleaning and mowing, but isnt refurbished with
topsoil, trees, or fencing. Currently 2.5 million
square feet are regularly cleaned through this
program.
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Benefits

• Removes trash
• Eliminates wasted space
• Unites the community
• Produces local, healthy food
• Increases health awareness
• Encourages sustainable and responsible
  agricultural practices
• Training programs for gardening
• Availability of fresh, local, organically grown
  produce to entire community including
  restaurants.

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Internationally

• Hong Kong produces 2/3 poultry, a sixth of pigs,
  and half the vegetables consumed by the city.
• Singapore has 10,000 farmers that produce ¼ of
  citys vegetables.
• Berlin has 80,000 Gardeners working land set
  aside for horticulture.

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PERTH CITY FARM cultivating a vital urban
community
In Australia.
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City Farm, 2002
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Mission

• City Farm promotes healthy urban communities and
  environments.
• Not-for-profit organization
• community development,
• land reclamation,
• organic food production
• waste management.

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What Perth has

• Transformed scrap metal yard
• 15 mins. From downtown business
• Gardens
• Veggies
• Fruit trees
• Poultry
• Artists work

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How City Farm began

• Abandoned scrap metal yard
• Rosanne Scott
• Growing concern for the youth and education

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We plant trees to help people grow
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Sustainability in Perth

• Youth education
• Environmental awareness
• Jobs
• Art projects
• Food
• Every Thursday City Farm cooks for the public to
  eat for FREE!!

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Recycling 4,000 lbs of tree mulch 1,500 lbs of
lawn clippings 20 tons of newspaper
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Sustainability implications

• Culture
• Art and a connection with the community
• Economic
• Volunteer workers
• Environmental
• Lush garden, recycling, education

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Challenges to the Revolution

• There is a lack of political support
• Changing land values effect peoples ability to
  maintain ownership of urban property
• Temporary use of public or private lands create
  an unsure future for urban farmers
• Many empty plots are filled with litter and waste
  that must be removed before the land is useable.

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Benefits of the Revolution

• Fresh food is essential for good health.
• There are psychological benefits to people living
  in areas primarily without vegetation.
• People are provided the opportunity to reconnect
  with their culture through the cultivation of
  traditional foods.
• Children are given a chance to learn about food
  and the earth.
• Urban poor have access to affordable fruits and
  vegetables.
• These farms enhance urban environments.

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Works Cited

• http//www.cityfarmer.org/Phillyurbag9.html
• http//www.sustainability.dpc.wa.gov.au/CaseStudie
  s/cityfarm/cityfarm.htm
• The Quiet Revolution, Michael Ableman