EVDS' makeCalgary research platform is partnering with Leaf & Lyre to bring the farm to the University of Calgary campus as part of the Wandering Farmer initiative.
Bringing pop-up farmers’ markets to locations around Calgary, the Wandering Farmer offers communities a way to buy high quality organic produce right in their neighbourhoods. Working together with a local urban farmer, Leaf and Lyre, the Faculty of Environmental Design’s (EVDS) makeCalgary research platform is holding its first pilot event for Wandering Farmer at the University of Calgary campus.
Many communities in and around Calgary have limited choices when it comes to buying fresh fruits and vegetables. There are only a few permanent farmers’ markets in the city; organic supermarkets or specialty health shops are not always readily available or may be expensive or unaffordable. As a result, many families buy groceries from big box supermarkets, where the quality of produce is not ideal – especially as we become increasingly aware of some of the undesirable practices that may be used to process or grow our food. Canada’s current agricultural system relies on practices such as the use of pesticides, chemical enhancements, and genetic manipulation to produce greater yields from their crop.
The Wandering Farmer started as a student project in an entrepreneurial architecture course, taught by EVDS’ Associate Dean, John Brown. The project addresses the current accessibility of quality produce in Calgary communities by providing urban SPIN (Small Plot INtensive) farmers an opportunity to sell their produce in communities that don’t already have farmers’ markets. The initiative has evolved, and, with support from the University’s Food & Conference Services and the Calgary Foundation, the project is well on its way to spreading the word to eat locally, grow locally, and buy locally. Ultimately, the initiative provides people the opportunity to improve their health, encourage community engagement, and support local businesses.
The Wandering Farmer is holding its first test pilot event on Thursday, July 17th in the TFDL (Taylor Family Digital Library) Quad, between 11:00 am and 2:30 pm. The monthly campus food trucks will also be on-site, so be sure to head to the yellow tent to pick up fruits and vegetables, and find out what’s been growing in your community’s backyards!
Image courtesy Leaf & Lyre