Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer

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Farm City by Novella Carpenter hardback cover

Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer is a non-fiction book written by Novella Carpenter, published in 2009. The book chronicles Carpenter's journey of transforming a vacant lot in Oakland, California, into a thriving urban farm. Farm City is a testament to the possibilities of urban agriculture and the impact it can have on communities, food security, and individual fulfillment.

Summary

Farm City begins with Carpenter's move into a dilapidated apartment in Oakland, where she discovers a vacant lot next to her building. Inspired by her desire to connect with her food sources and contribute positively to her community, she embarks on an ambitious project to cultivate this space. The book details the challenges and triumphs she faces, from soil rehabilitation and crop selection to raising livestock in an urban setting. Carpenter's narrative is not just about farming; it's a reflection on the nature of community, sustainability, and the ethics of eating.

Throughout the book, readers are introduced to a variety of agricultural practices, including permaculture, biodynamic farming, and urban farming. Carpenter's experiment includes raising a range of animals, such as chickens, ducks, rabbits, and even pigs, in the heart of the city. Her story is a blend of personal memoir, urban agriculture manual, and a call to action for urban dwellers to reconsider their relationship with food.

Themes

Farm City explores several key themes, including:

- **Sustainability**: The book delves into the concept of sustainable living within an urban environment, showcasing how local food production can reduce carbon footprints and promote environmental stewardship. - **Community**: Carpenter's urban farm becomes a focal point for community engagement, illustrating how shared spaces and interests can bring diverse groups of people together. - **Food Security**: By highlighting the process of growing and raising her own food, Carpenter addresses issues of food security and the importance of access to fresh, nutritious food in urban areas. - **Ethical Eating**: The narrative prompts readers to consider the ethics of eating, particularly in relation to meat consumption, animal welfare, and the environmental impact of food choices.

Reception

Farm City received critical acclaim for its honest and engaging portrayal of urban farming. Critics praised Carpenter's witty and insightful writing, as well as her ability to weave together personal anecdotes with broader discussions on food and society. The book has been recognized as an important contribution to the literature on sustainable living and urban agriculture.

Impact

Since its publication, Farm City has inspired a new generation of urban farmers and has contributed to the growing movement of urban agriculture across the globe. Carpenter's work has highlighted the potential for cities to become more self-sufficient, resilient, and connected through the act of growing food.

See Also

• Urban agriculture
• Sustainable living
• Local food