growlots nov23

New Discussions CREATE New Narratives

How can we get urban agriculture in Philadelphia to the tipping point?

Tipping Point as defined by Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point"

the dramatic moment when ideas, messages, behaviors, and products suddenly become so popular that they transform into social epidemics.

1. Spread by a very few extraordinary people

2. Sensitive to the conditions and circumstances of the specific time and place

3. Information is packaged in a way that makes it irresistible

The Three Rules of Epidemics

Farming Centers will act as central hubs for organizing food production, creating green jobs, building community, and education. Occupying 3-4 adjacent abandoned lots (3/8 - 1/2 acres), Green Centers have an Office/Storage Area, an on-site Garden, two High Tunnels, and a small Greenhouse for starts.

growlots

Research, Interviews, Observations

Gardens &Agri-Programs

Community Members

City Government

JobsBeautification

Develop Vacant Lots

Communication

CompostPlantsTools

Volunteer

sStart-u

p

Knowledge

Supplies

Knowledge

Gardening Skills

Communication

Managing Assets

Recruiting Volunteers

Services

Communication

Recruiting Volunteers

Knowledge

Gardening Skills

Managing Assets

Tools for Rent

Compost in Exchange

Portion of Crops

How does a Farming Center function?

Farm/Garden Supervisor The Information Specialist Garden/ Farm Coordinator Retail Manager

Who would work at a Farming Center?

How do we start more Farming Centers?

Communication

Beautification

Develop Vacant Lots

Create Green Jobs

Education and NutritionProvides Agricultural Opportunities

Meeting place for gardenersForum for neighbors

Tourism boosts local economyHealthy city = healthy bodiesIncreases pride Creates a sense of safety

City green spaces increaseResidents come togetherLocal produce improves health Creates a garden networkExpands gardening as a profession

Hires agricultural studentsTrains workers to be collaborative

Green Center's success increases revenue in local economy

Farming Centers Create Social Capital

Renting Garden Tools

Finished Compost(soil)

Plant Starters and Seeds

Produce (CSA, Farmer’s Markets,

and Local Businesses)

Salaries/Wages

Equipment/Materials/Tools

Compost System(If there are extra funds)

Startup Capital(1st Year)

Office, greenhouse, high tunnels, garden

Income$340,000

Brochures/Literatureor Education

$10,000

$35,000

$150,000

$145,000

$200,000

$25,000

$35,000

$20,000

$330,000

$20,000

Downpayment$30,000

Income Statement for Start-Up Year

New Audiences CONTRIBUTED New Questions

what is the shared equity

Do we need an applicable farming protocol?

Substantial amount of workable landFarming is not a job

Lacking man power

Jobs vs. Volunteering

Who is responsible for the center?



Niche Markets vs. Regional Foods

Lacking man power


People are disconnected from their food

Urban Agricutlure vs. Big Business

Reaching the bottom line





Lacking man power




Sometimes social capital is not enough




Substantial amount of workable land

Develop wasteland communities

Farming is not a job

Urban Agriculture could be temporary

Selling in niche markets


Lacking man power







What about a shared equity model?








Effects of Farming Center success?

Lacking man power








Competition between players









Lacking man power



City's long-term goals need small steps



Can we change land zoning codes?




Create a farm network


Integrative DevelopmentDo we need an applicable farming protocol?








Lacking man power



City's long-term goals need small steps



Can we change land zoning codes?




Create a farm network


Land OwnershipGreen Jobs

Food AccessEconomics

Points from the GreenWorks Plan

1. Bring local food within reach of 75% of residents2. Provide park and recreation resources for 75% of residents3. Create open spaces for neighborhoods

1. Bring local food within reach of 75% of residents2. Provide park and recreation resources for 75% of residents3. Create open spaces for neighborhoods4. Transform vacant land5. Leverage vacant land6. Promote commercial farming7. Promote CSA’s

1. Bring local food within reach of 75% of residents2. Provide park and recreation resources for 75% of residents3. Create open spaces for neighborhoods4. Transform vacant land5. Leverage vacant land6. Promote commercial farming7. Promote CSA’s8. Create support for food cooperative expansion9. Create demand for locally grown foods10. Publicize local food efforts

1. Bring local food within reach of 75% of residents2. Provide park and recreation resources for 75% of residents3. Create open spaces for neighborhoods4. Transform vacant land5. Leverage vacant land6. Promote commercial farming7. Promote CSA’s8. Create support for food cooperative expansion9. Create demand for locally grown foods10. Publicize local food efforts11. Entrepreneurial and workforce development to double high and low skill green jobs12. Provide technical assistance for farming and gardening

1. Bring local food within reach of 75% of residents2. Provide park and recreation resources for 75% of residents3. Create open spaces for neighborhoods4. Transform vacant land5. Leverage vacant land6. Promote commercial farming7. Promote CSA’s8. Create support for food cooperative expansion9. Create demand for locally grown foods10. Publicize local food efforts11. Entrepreneurial and workforce development to double high and low skill green jobs12. Provide technical assistance for farming and gardening13. Foster school based efforts14. Create an urban agriculture strategy15. Integrate anti-hunger efforts and urban agriculture initiatives

growlots nov23

Self Improvement