My local restaurant piece w/ Chef Ian Boden as a model. Part of my 31 Days of Urban Agriculture project. (Click to enlarge.)
Some argue that Urban Agriculture is only about crops being raised in cities for profit — and that’s it. It’s only about industry. In fact some even go so far as to say that it’s only the more industrial of these practices that count as urban ag.
Me, not so much.
Industry is of course, great! But I’d argue that urban farming is so much more, being especially dependent on markets for any products cultivated. In that arena, chefs and restaurants that create a clear market for consumers seeking real food prepared in a meaningful way is critical to a direct delivery pipeline for farmers.
This photo depicts world-famous Chef Ian Boden of Staunton, Virginia’s The Shack restaurant (Ian’s restaurant).
But for the purpose of the 31 Days of Urban Agriculture show he’s standing in for chefs everywhere who make a concerted effort to develop relationships with farmers and to source directly from farms local to their areas. All this builds strong local economies, helps people live healthier lives, and lowers the carbon footprint of anyone who choses to spend their money — and seat their values — this way.
Talk about hometown heroes — this is what they look like.
And how they cook? Oh!
Purchase the print in my Etsy Shop Lady Virginia Vintage.
— Lindsay Curen, 31 Days of Urban Agriculture
