Turning Motown into Grow-town

Small urban farms are springing up all over vacant land in our big cities.  As old industrial cities "downsize" by tearing down abandoned buildings and dormant factories, small urban farms are taking their place, providing work, a sense of pride  and fresh fruits and vegetables to city residents.

The efforts of these urban pioneers have not gone unnoticed.  In our neighboring city of Flint, Jacky and Dora King, two black belts who run a karate school in the city, created the Harvesting Earth Educational Farm on vacant land next to their martial arts studio.  Earlier this year, the U.S. Agriculture Department award the Small Farm of the Year Award for Michigan to King's Harvesting Earth farm.  The award recognizes farmers based on their conservation efforts, such as erosion prevention and water containment, and community involvement.

In the city of Detroit, as the population has declined over the years, supermarkets have disappeared and remaining city residents live in what sociologist call a "food desert."  For many Detroit residents, the only outlets for food near their homes are fast food restaurants and party stores.   Several urban farms in the city now offer residents more choices for fresh food.

The efforts of urban farmers in Detroit have now been captured in an inspiring, feature length documentary, direct by Detroit native Mark MacInnis and produced by Los Angeles production company Tree Media.  The will be screening this film at the on Wednesday, July 13.  The movie starts at 7 p.m., but go early because doors open at 6 p.m. for an hour of live music and great food before the movie starts.  Best of all, everything is free.