Bohemia, NY (PRWEB) February 27, 2013
On February 27, Colle – the network of organic farmers markets and advocate for the organic farming community – issues a response to an article from The Fiscal Times about Detroit’s efforts to encourage urban farming in order to give their economy a much-needed boost.
“America loves a big comeback, but Detroiters harbor few illusions. For many here, it's about salvaging what remains of a once-great city. Throughout its long decline, Detroit has sought ways to restore to its former glory a city that was home to 1.8 million people, pinning its hopes on grandiose plans for the automotive industry or casinos.”
Now, says the article, Detroit is trying to figure out what to do with all of the vacant, largely abandoned land. As a result, urban farms are starting to spring up throughout the city.
“As farming is imagined for Detroit's future, abandoned land would provide fruit and vegetables to the city's inhabitants, for whom fresh food is often not accessible because grocery stores are few and far between.”
Although there are no exact figures on the number of vacant lots that could be used for community gardens, some estimates are putting that number as high as 100,000, reports the article. There are also groups such as Hantz Farms, a group that “won city approval to buy 140 acres of land, or 1,500 parcels, for $600,000. The group plans to plant 15,000 hardwood trees that will take 40 to 60 years to mature before harvest.”
Colle Farmers Market responds to the potential for urban farming growth in Detroit, saying that urban farming has the potential to create new markets in the city. Organic farmers markets are growing in popularity and people can earn extra income by selling the produce they grow right within the city limits.
The company adds that encouraging individuals and neighborhoods to take part in urban farming will help them save money on groceries. This initiative has the potential to significantly boost their struggling economy.
Colle is an E-Commerce enabled farmers market community that is passionate about sustainable consumption and responsible conservation. The Colle movement is dedicated to connecting natural product vendors, organic farmers and all people who are living an organic and natural lifestyle with the ultimate goal of using more sustainable farming and consumerism.
###
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/2/prweb10476785.htm
