A Call for Next Generation Victory Gardens

A Call for Next Generation Victory Gardens | Infectious Perspectives

  When economic times are shaky and fuel costs are rising, there is a strong case to be made for community gardens. Consuming locally grown food reduces shipping costs and fuel consumption, and results in more food security for urban areas. Individual and communities can grow fruit, vegetables, grains, fish and mushrooms.  Indoor farms are now possible thanks to improvements in lighting and automation technologies. Old buildings can be converted into cooperative community garden centers that run CSA programs, gardening classes and help supply the local community with seeds, compost and other gardening products. Sourcing seeds from local growers allows for more diversity and potential for plant breeding programs to respond to changing consumer desires (i.e. foods from diverse cultures, of different nutritional content or of economic viability) and production viability (i.e. development of resistant and resilient varieties of crops). These centers would serve as a hub for intra- and intercommunity exchange leading to the formation of larger scale cooperative networks that is largely self-sufficient.

        Creating a network of food production that is focused on providing a variety of fresh foods is likely to produce more jobs, increase quality of life and reduce reliance on food being shipped long distances. Forming a network of farmers and CSA programs, which may trade produce and other goods and services, benefits everyone involved. A lettuce and tomato farmer can trade with an onion and potato farmer, and both will end up with a more nutritious supply of produce while still being able to provide a consistent product. Incorporating automation in new age victory gardens allows for food security while still allowing individuals in urban and suburban areas while reducing the cost of maintaining a more nutritious food supply. Integrating communities into a more cohesive network increases stability and facilitates cooperation and mutual success.