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| Family Grows 3 Tons of Food |
The California home of the Dervaes family in Pasadena, a 30-minute drive from Los Angeles, looks a priori similar to all the others seen in this suburban neighborhood. But a quick turn on the other side of the building gives way to a backyard garden, packed with fruits and vegetables grown as well as a chicken or two in freedom.
The Urban Homestead project
Each year, this family of 4 people produces nearly 3 Tons of food that it cultivates on its 500 m² property, nicknamed the Urban Homestead. The father, Jules, began developing the farm 30 years ago in order to fully control what he eats and have a greater awareness of the environment.
At the end of these three decades, Jules and his three children had exploited every ounce of their property by cultivating dozens of plants. Everything they produce is organic because they have always taken care of their land without ever using pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
During their record years, this urban farm was able to house over 400 varieties of plants, but factors such as drought and shade from trees and neighboring houses make this figure varies enormously.
This American family has accepted without fear the challenges of agriculture in the suburbs and has relied on nature to correct what it has not been able to accomplish. "It's a real challenge to grow organic products," Jules said. Sometimes we just have to let nature do it and if the crop is too infested by insects, we just have to bend to the laws of nature by removing the crop and planting a new lot. "
CSA: Community Supported Agriculture
He and his children reap the majority of the products that make up their vegetarian diet on the farm and share the rest of the fruits of their patience (grass, vegetables and organic fruits) with locals in the Los Angeles area who want to support A local mini food company. Every week, people can buy a CSA box (American initiative to allow citizens to buy fresh and local products from neighboring farms) filled with Urban Lands products as well as pastries, raw honey and homemade jams .
Take part in the adventure
By inviting their neighbors to take part in their way of life, they hope to show others that creating links with nature is not necessarily difficult. It is also possible without leaving his house.
"Whether we live in an apartment, in a suburb or on a 12 Acres , our mission is to connect citizens who have a strong desire to take control of their food habits and lead a more sustainable and conscientious life." Said Jules. "We can all apply the policy of small steps, which once carried out by more people, will have a great impact on the environment and our well-being. Your involvement remains important as you planted herbs on the edge of your window or support the markets of local producers. "
Knowing that they are a forerunner in a new agricultural movement that says no to a mentality based on "the bigger the better" is, along with the urge and haste to crunch in The first fishery or tomato of the season, helps them to hold the beating during the long harvest and harvest.
"Agriculture is a journey of ups and downs. We have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and all the necessary means to reach tomorrow, so growing our own food makes us appreciate and understand the energy and effort it takes to bring food from the earth to Table. "