The only way to guarantee that your food is organic is to grow your own.
This notion is not new but it's making a strong come back, even in urban centres.
People living in the middle of a city are finding ways to grow their own fruits, vegetables and raise their own chickens and fish, said Urban Farmer, Ron Berezan, who will be offering how-to workshops at the Prince George Exhibition Aug. 13 and 14 in Kin III.
"There are lots of people who want a little more control over their lives with the basic things like food and energy and shelter," said Berezan.
Berezan said it wasn't his good business sense that prompted him to start a business eight years ago showing people how to grow their own food in small spaces - it was luck.
"I had a passion for gardening that went back many, many years and I finally just said I want to help people grow food in cities," said Berezan. This applies to home owners, community projects or larger-scale commercial projects.
"My timing couldn't have been better because of the growing interest in local food and self sufficiency and I've never looked back," said Berezan, who grew up in Edmonton and now lives in Powell River where he is exploring the possibility of a year-round garden.
Berezan will host two workshops during the fair.
Creating an Edible Landscape Saturday, Aug. 13 at 3 p.m. in Kin III and Sunday, Aug. 14 at 1 p.m. in Kin III.
Grow food and have a beautiful yard. Explore a range of strategies for growing herbs, vegetables, fruits, berries and even mushrooms in beautiful and sustainable ways. From backyard and front yard gardens to public spaces, community gardens and edible forest gardens, guests can consider numerous models and techniques for growing food successfully in the Prince George climate.
The Edible City - Growing Food in Urban Areas Saturday, Aug. 13 at 6 p.m., Kin III and Sunday Aug. 14 at 4 p.m., Kin III
With more than half of the world's population now living in cities, there has been an incredible growth of urban agriculture around the world. This presentation will explore a range of approaches to growing food in urban areas including both local and international examples.
Attendance for the workshops is included with paid gate admission.
