The biggest food trends of 2021
Do you know what foodscaping is? Foodscaping is the practice of integrating edible plants into ornamental landscapes or replacing the ornamental landscapes altogether. Also referred to as edible landscaping and has been described as a crossbreed between landscaping and farming. Essentially foodscaping is using the land we have available to use for food crops. This could be backyards, rooftops, or small in-home gardens.
The idea with community foodscaping is -- the community could use the available space to foodscape, plan a variety of crops and trade that product. 80-90% of our produce could come from less than 10 miles from our homes. And if we take that a bit further, these same communities could partner with livestock farms near them. While both the community and farmer gain access to local, healthy food. Everyone wins!
Some communities and local areas in the USA do not allow you to grow food in your suburban yard… In some areas, it has to do with aesthetics. Many cities and HOAs think growing food in your front yard is unsightly. They would rather you spend tons of money beautifying your yard with an ornamental lawn. But the bigger reason is that cities, townships, FDA, USDA, and the Health Department are afraid that we’ll sue them if someone gets food poisoning from eating food that could be tainted or “improperly processed”.
How do we change it? Make it PUBLIC. Very very public. Grow your own food. Learn the techniques, take precautions, and enjoy the fruits (and veggies!) of your hard work. Post photos of your garden and tell everyone you know about it. Get involved! This shouldn't be a regulated activity, but an everyday way of life for us. We must get our hands dirty (pun intended, ha!) and take pride in our food, creating a personal relationship with where it comes from.
This is what our backyards should look like!
Community Foodscaping in Geneva Switzerland | Image: Schema-Root.org
Food trends of 2021 have become more about using what we have at hand and local to us as consumers, while being more aware of the food issues around us. Food deserts, urban farming and community gardens have been in the forefront of our conversations and the fight for healthy accessible food for all. Let’s add foodscaping to the discussion – with so many benefits, this one is a no brainer. Healthy, local food options for all should be the goal for every community in the United States.
Does your school or district need an AFNR program? Register for this great webinar for more information.
Engaging Students in AFNR - Agriculture Food & Natural Resources
