by David Parkinson

It is starting to sink into the public consciousness that we are looking at some major changes in how we feed ourselves, especially as we address the need to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels. The 50-mile diet may have started as a novelty, but it’s starting to look more and more like a foreshadowing of a future where we produce as much of our needs as close to home as possible. (Not just food, either!)

But how are we supposed to increase local food production? Our local farmers can tell you that they are struggling to meet the growing demand for locally-grown high-quality food. And if we are expecting to see an increase in local consumption over the next few years, how on earth do we get from here to there?

Farmers across Canada are aging, and not enough young people are coming along to take their places. This is partly because our modern technological society has downplayed the creativity, imagination, and hard work that goes into farming, and partly because the start-up costs of farming have skyrocketed along with real estate values in the last few years.

Everywhere I go, I talk with people who recognize our need to move towards regional self-sufficiency – but how are we supposed to start turning the situation around? Is this a job for grassroots organization? For our local elected officials? For PRREDS, our regional economic development society?

The answer is probably a little of everything. One place where we can all start is at home: starting a garden, increasing the size of our garden, helping others learn how to grow some of their own food. These may seem like insignificant steps, but they do add up. Soon, before we know it, we will have created a local culture of self-reliance, and a culture of community.

If you want to get involved, but don’t know where to start, contact me at fsp@prepsociety.org or (604) 485-2004, or come to the Community Resource Centre at 4752 Joyce Ave. on the second Wednesday of every month at 5:00 PM to meet with like-minded people working to build this culture of self-reliance and community.