Cuba Inspires Urban Agriculture in Vancouver
SEPTEMBER 8, 2007 - An innovative new business in Vancouver, BC, is turning unused yards into urban farms. For City Farm Boy founder Ward Teulon, the change must be particularly satisfying - the former turf-grass manager's roots were on a Saskatchewan farm.
"I was travelling anywhere from 100 to 150 days of the year on behalf of corporate America," Teulon told the Vancouver Sun. "I was living in airports and hotels, and it sucked, especially when we had our son."
Now, the professional agrologist stays close to his new home in Vancouver and tills the land. So far, he has five yards under production, and most people let him use their property for free, or in exchange for some vegetables. Teulon says he was inspired by the example of urban agriculture in Cuba. He would like to have 15 to 20 Vancouver yards under production and sell at local farmers markets. City Farm Boy is a perfect model for how we can all eat closer to home. -ADS
