Feature: SPEC & YWCA Urban Farmer Field School

Ever wondered about urban horticulture, sustainable food production, or food systems? YWCA Metro Vancouver and the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC) have teamed up to offer a hands-on, 14-course training program on sustainable urban horticulture, which turns the YWCA rooftop garden into a living laboratory.

Source: SPEC

The Urban Farmer Field School is a food education program that provides training in sustainable urban agriculture for new and experienced growers. Courses cover six major subject areas: small-farm business planning, food production, food systems, urban soil management, City Chickens n' Coops, and (growing) season extension.

The program invites new and experienced backyard growers, urban farmers, community food activists, and sustainability entrepreneurs for the series of courses or just a course or two of interest.

It strives to increase the number of urban growers following sustainable production practices, to increase farmer income, and to increase the quantity, quality, and safety of locally-grown food.

Source: SPEC

The Urban Farmer Field School begins its second year later this month.

Keep an eye on the program website here for up-to-date information on course offerings, fees, and registration for this season!

Interested in other offerings from SPEC? You can find a list of their upcoming workshops on their Events page.

What's Happening in October

Autumn may have started, but October isn't just about crunchy leaves on the sidewalks, gloomy clouds, and Hallowe'en. Whether you're eager to enjoy the continuing trend of sunshine and mid-20 degree temperatures or prefer the comfort of a cup of tea and some reading, there's sure to (hopefully) be something that appeals.

Burnaby Farmers' Market

Location: North Parking Lot at Burnaby City Hall, Canada Way and Deer Lake Parkway (map)
Dates: May 5, 2012 to October 27, 2012
Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm each Saturday

Continuing through to the end of this month is the Burnaby Farmers' Market at Burnaby City Hall. The market runs every Saturday and features various events, a family day celebration, and monthly cooking competitions.

The market offers locally-grown, conventional and organic produce, jam, jelly, vinegar, salsa, sauces, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, tea, eggs, and meat products. Also for sale is pottery, woodwork, jewelery, and soap made by local artisans.

Help keep the Market 'green' by considering biking or taking transit and bringing your own shopping bags!

For winning recipes, as well as more information about the Market, visit the Artisan Markets website: www.artisanmarkets.ca

Sustenance Festival

Location: Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews / Vancouver - map)
Dates: October 11 to October 21, 2012
Hours: Weekdays, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; weekends, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Drop by for an exciting lineup of events, the standing exhibition, or any number of the workshops being held at the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall. Workshops include Weed Eating, Queen of Green Household Cleaners, or Sustenance for Well Being and are either free or up to $40, depending on the topic.

Also happening are other events such as film screenings, gardening information sessions, and harvest fairs and festivals at locations around the city.

For information on the events, to register, or for more on the Festival, please visit the official website: http://www.sustenancefestival.ca/

Food Security Information for Action
Location: Online
Cost: FREE

Need something to do on a rainy afternoon? Curious about food security and related issues?

Offered in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Learning Centre features a number of self-paced e-learning courses on a wide range of food security related topics. Interested people can start anytime and learn at their own levels of comfort.

All courses are available in English, and some have been translated into French and Spanish.

Registration is required but free of charge. Course materials are available online and for download. Free CD versions of the materials can also be requested.

For more information and to register, visit the course website: http://www.foodsec.org/