Lantzville's Agriculture Committee

So far, Lantzville's Urban Agriculture Committee has met twice, and is going to meet again tomorrow evening at 7 pm.  So far, the meetings have been rather eventful, and Andrew Mostad and Angela Wallace have been doing an excellent job in trying to push for a broader understanding of what urban agriculture is, and how it can be implemented in Lantzville.

Once again, it is hard to understand the choices of Lantzville's Council.  David Elgie in particular seems unsuited for the task of commenting on the proposed bylaw, as he has no experience in agriculture, and is not even a long-time resident of Lantzville.  Considering the many well-qualified applicants who asked to be a part of the committee, this space could have been much better utilized.  As always, Jim Brash is muddying the waters, bringing up issues, such as water contamination and large pests (bears are his example) to which his only solution is "don't allow it".  Again, this space on the committee could have been used much more effectively, had someone been appointed who was interested in creating actual, working solutions to real, Lantzville issues.


I am very excited for the presentation tomorrow night at the committee of a commercial composter.  Hopefully his testimony will finally silence some of the more outrageous notions surrounding composting and manure. 


Looking towards the future, FUAL's informational events are scheduled and being advertised in The Log.  The first one is going to be Sunday, September 18th at the Legion.  We will be showing "Dirt: The Movie" and having a discussion with local composter, Connie Kuramoto.  It should be a good time, and I'm excited to hear everyone's views on the subject of good, clean, healthy dirt!


Thank you all for your support, and hope to hear from everyone soon.

Quick Update

We've had an exciting couple of weeks, lately.  All of the submissions for the Lantzville Urban Agriculture committee have been submitted, with both Louise and Andrew submitting letters on behalf of FUAL, and members are likely to be chosen in tomorrow's Council Meeting.  Another rally has been organized, starting at 6:30 pm tomorrow.  Everyone bring signs!  Also, FUAL has started planning some really interesting events and informational sessions for the next few months.  Movie nights, a panel of speakers, and a harvest festival are all in the works.  Keep an eye out for those once the fall rolls around.  Finally, Andrew Mostad and Michael Geselbracht have both decided to run for Lantzville Council in November.  Campaigns are starting to be organized and any volunteers who would be willing to help in any way would be greatly appreciated! 

It is looking like there is still a lot of work ahead of us, but a great group of super motivated people are starting to coalesce around Urban Agriculture in Lantzville.  We can make a difference, and we will make a difference in our community.

Lantzville Agriculture Committee

Last Council meeting, FUAL made a presentation to Lantzville Council asking to strike a committee to look at zoning bylaw changes to regulate urban agriculture.  A special thanks to four of our members; Marjorie, Louise, Andrew and Glenda, for their excellent presentation.  We also asked that at least 2 FUAL members be included in this committee.  Council didn't seem opposed to this option, and passed a motion to create a terms of reference for such a committee.  However, supporters of urban agriculture and local food have to keep the pressure on Council to strike this committee.  As well, we need to make sure that Council allows this committee room to work and to make a meaningful difference, instead of just having them make recommended amendments to a bylaw made by Council. 

Another Council meeting will be held this Monday, May 30th, and I encourage everyone to come out and let Council know that we will hold them accountable for their decisions.