Vancouver Island Permaculture presents:

Economic Development that doesn’t Cost the Earth: A Permaculture Approach to Community Development

Two half day seminars:
Sunday Oct 23 or Saturday Nov 12 10 am - 2pm
Innisfree Farm 3636 Trent Rd in Royston.
For information and directions to the workshop, see  www.innisfreefarm.ca

Successful opposition to mining operations all share a common element: the
creation of alternative economic development plans. The effectiveness of this strategy
has been proven in many communities in South and Central America. It can work here.
Why risk our beautiful islands and our established industries for jobs that won’t even last
one generation? We can choose jobs and the environment. We can create economic
opportunities that are beneficial to our communities and are restorative not destructive.
We can create jobs that last many generations into the future.

Please join us for a refreshing and creative discussion of community economic
development. Vancouver Island Permaculture is offering two half day seminars on
“Economic Development that doesn’t Cost the Earth: A Permaculture Approach to
Community Development” as part of its ongoing Developing Sustainability series.
For registration or more information Email thierryv@telus.net or call 250 336 8768

Permaculture [Permanent Agriculture] is an ethically based environmental design science that seeks to establish a sustainable human culture in harmony with the natural world. It is the conscious design and maintenance of ecologically sound productive systems that provide for our physical needs for food, shelter, energy etc and repair and restore our damaged ecosystems.
Permaculture replicates the diversity, stability and resilience of the natural world. Vancouver Island Permaculture was established in order to share these concepts with the larger community


 
 
Very exciting! 
The Garden Institute of BC is launching a pilot project in the Comox Valley, to provide urban agriculture extension support for local gardeners!  The Blog was launched today, and the HOTLINE they are offering is also open now.  Videos including instructions and scheduled drop-in sessions in the area will follow!  Tell your friends!  Check out the blog at http://www.tgibc.org/blog/

Here's an excerpt:

I guess a few of you are starting to plan your gardens, I know I am!  So, what better time to start blogging about my garden for this Urban Aggie project. ...For me and my veggie garden, spring means that peppers are seeded inside, and I’m beginning seed greens and broccoli for my coldframe.  Tomatoes and basil are next!
 
 
Many thanks from LUSH Valley to all of our supporters for your hard work, interest and ongoing support. We're working hard to serve our community and welcome comments, questions or suggestions. Contact us if you have some ideas n how to further food security in the Comox Valley.
 
 
Michael Pollan talked about the Dirty Dozen list on Democracy Now. Here is the list of 12 Foods Most Contaminated with pesticides!
  • Peaches
  • Apples
  • Sweet Bell Peppers
  • Celery
  • Nectarines
  • Strawberries
  • Cherries
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Grapes(imported)
  • Carrots
  • Pears

12 Least Contaminated (don't worry as much, if not organic)
  • Onions
  • Avocado
  • Sweet Corn (Frozen)
  • Pineapples
  • Mango
  • Asparagus
  • Sweet Peas (Frozen)
  • Kiwi Fruit
  • Bananas
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Papaya

Complete list available here -- http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php
 
 
I've just been looking at this year's program for the World Community Film Festival, and it's looking like again this year there will be some inspiring food related films.  I find it very hopeful that the focus on food issues by the film industry seems to be shifting towards positive actions and community-based approaches to food security, and less at scary agribusiness and GMO documentaries.  
In particular, the film 'Good Food' looks interesting!  Check out the full festival program here.