Harvest

Growing food can be a passion. And now is a great time to share it.

I recently had the opportunity to be a guest at a public conference on the future of agriculture. The focus was on new forms of agricultural food production for local markets. This is particularly interesting in a combination of urban and rural environments. We are literally talking about ‘From Field to Table’.

Although I have been introduced to some alternative forms of modular food production, such as ‘forest gardens’ (Place with a View: ‘Cafe Botanico’ in Berlin-Rixdorf) and mixed cultivation (Table Talk with Ortrud Grieb [‘Best Beeties, best Buddies’]), there were also some new forms that I found quite fascinating. Like a small field divided into even smaller plots worked by people trying on the suit of being a farmer. Just for the day, or to shape their own future. ‘Tiny Farms’ this idea (and small company) is called – basically a ‘market garden’ concept as I learned.

Of course, there are other common concepts of food production in and around the city. Like the many urban gardening projects that Berlin is famous for. Although, to be honest, having grown up in a rural environment with farms and large meadows and fields, I did not initially associate these new concepts with agricultural food production. For me, it was just gardening, like forest gardening or companion planting, also known as mixed cultivation. Or even balcony gardening.

But during this nice conference – which took place in a cute little urban gardening project near the Ostbahnhof in Berlin – I started to think that the concept of food production for people in the city or any space has actually always been a mix of different forms. For example, many of the old houses in Berlin used to have gardens and even a small stable for chickens or a pig in the back. That was essential to feed so many people. So, yes, of course, all of these concepts – field, patch, or balcony – are part of a larger theme. They all put food on our plates.

But there is more.

All of us who have sown and planted. We have gone through complex procedures and continuous efforts over days, weeks and months. Got involved in numerous battles with the elements for the right amount and form of moisture, warmth, light and, well… ‘micro-population’.

We all experience that special moment when the plant, fruit or vegetable is ready to be picked or plucked. The point in time when your mind takes that quick ride back to when it all started in the spring. And now there is food that you have helped to grow. This is something we all share. And it is grand.

Oh, common, admit it! It’s amazing.

… all of these concepts – field, patch, or balcony – are part of a larger theme. They all put food on our plates.

Side Notes:

• There is a nice recipe accompanying this post that helps turn your bounty into hearty stews [‘Anystew’].