Galdino Gonzalez, 56, shows an urban vegetable garden to Reuters journalists in the Iztapalapa district, Mexico City, July 31, 2008. Over 20 urban vegetable patches have been planted since last year, some in areas formerly used to dump trash, and the city government wants to build at least 20 more. REUTERS/Henry Romero

Mexico City poor plant vegetables to lower food costs

By Mica Rosenberg
REUTERS
Jul 31, 2008

MEXICO CITY – Under the rule of the ancient Aztecs, Mexico City was a maze of canals and floating gardens that grew corn and beans to feed the masses.

Hundreds of years later, the government of this concrete metropolis of 20 million people is promoting urban vegetable gardens as a way to ease the burden of soaring food prices faced by poor families.

Leftist Mayor Marcelo Ebrard, who is behind a string of crowd-pleasers like cycle lanes, artificial beaches and an outdoor ice rink, has sent groups of gardening experts out to build community gardens.

[Read more →]

Films by Tamar Kozlov
Tamar Kozlov is an actress turned journalist turned filmmaker from Montreal. Her contributiions to the artistic community include hosting the Centre St. Ambroise Scene et Salon and the Blue Zula concert series.

In 1988 Philippe Robillard bought earth and started La Ferme Pousse Menu, the only building in Montreal with farm status. Through innovative and visionary practices, he still uses the same soil, now 21 years old. By manipulating indoor space, Robillard is able to produce one ton of highly nutritious, organic food every week right downtown.

[Read more →]