Urban Agriculture on the Rise

It’s great to see changes taking place supporting local food production and marketing opportunities for producers within the city limits of urban populations. Wheat Ridge City Council approved changes to the City Code that support and encourage urban agricultural uses and activities in the City. The code changes updated the City’s regulations and established three main uses for urban agriculture: community gardens, farmers’ markets, and produce stands which are now allowed in any zone district. A summary of the three uses permitted in each zone district may be found on the City Website at this link.

“We’ve seen increased interest in urban agriculture by our residents,” said Mayor Jerry DiTullio. “Wheat Ridge was founded on an agricultural past and it is exciting to see the renewed interest by so many of our residents in a favorite pastime coupled with their desire to access locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. I’m pleased that the amended ordinance creates a Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for a resident or business to grow and sell fresh fruits and vegetables with no review fees or oversight by the City.”

“LiveWell Wheat Ridge congratulates the City of Wheat Ridge on making these important changes to the zoning code,” states Molly Hansen, LiveWell Wheat Ridge Coordinator. “Increasing access to locally grown food is a vital step in promoting healthy food options, creating resilient neighborhoods and supporting our local economy. It is exciting to see support from the community and City Council on creating a policy framework that supports these important principles.”

Guidestone salutes efforts to promote urban agriculture in communities. Wheat Ridge is now among the leading municipalities in the State and nation connecting urban dwellers to fresh, healthy food. Cities across the country that have been recognized for adopting zoning codes that support urban agricultural activities are Seattle, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Kansas City.

It is clear that urban agriculture promotes economic and community development, environmental sustainability, and connects people to fresh, healthy food.

Judie Anders, Guidestone

YOGA Charity Fundraiser for

GUIDESTONE

July 1, 2011

Be the Change and Support Local Food!

Please join Kenny Graham and JalaBlu kick off a weekend of Anusara Yoga bliss in Buena Vista, CO with a charity fundraiser benefitting Guidestone.

Guidestone is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the local food economy. Guidestone serves farmers, landowners, educators, youth, and community members in the Upper Arkansas River Valley by providing farm based education programs and by supporting and growing the capacity of agricultural resources to help ensure a secure agricultural future for the region. Two Buena Vista farms - Weathervane Farm and Cottonwood Creek Dairy - currently work with Guidestone and benefit from their work in the community.

"When Kenny Graham suggested doing a charity fundraiser with JalaBlu here in Buena Vista, CO, my heart gravitated towards wanting to do what I could to support my friends at Weathervane Farm and Cottonwood Creek Dairy in their efforts to continue to serve the community with fresh local food," said Jenna Pfingston, owner of JalaBlu.

By helping to build the capacity of organizations like Guidestone, the important work of farmland preservation will be possible in our community and our farmers will root to rise and find long term stability on farmland. Please help support an amazing cause full of organic extension. Say YES to Local Food and Guidestone and help this vision happen!

Where: Buena Vista High School Gym, 559 Railroad Street

$10 Suggested Donation

When: July 1, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

This Yoga workshop will continue July 2 and 3. Please contact jalaBlu for information or visit www.jalabluyoga.com

Initiative Launched to Advance Sustainable Food and Agriculture Policies Worldwide

Earth’s population is expected to pass nine billion by 2050. The availability of food and water is dwindling. Because of this, eight leading foundations, have announced the launch of an initiative designed to address these concerns.

AGree, this collaborative effort, comes at a pivotal moment. Over the next four decades the global population will increase, swelling the ranks of the 925 million people worldwide who currently suffer from under-nutrition or hunger. What's more, the challenges associated with feeding all those people are likely to be exacerbated by limited arable land, increasing pressures on fresh water, and accelerating environmental degradation. AGree will commission research and facilitate discussion among a diverse set of stakeholders, including conventional and organic farmers, ranchers, nutritionists, energy experts, environmentalists, financiers, international aid veterans, and public health specialists.

"AGree will elevate the agriculture and food policy conversation," said Dan Glickman, who served as secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "We will make it clear to leaders and policy makers that, while difficult, solving food and agriculture issues is of utmost importance and can help solve other pressing problems including public health and the need for economic growth."

Read the press release here.

Judie Anders, Guidestone Board Member