How to Build Your Community From the Food Up

By Natural Blaze

You might be amazed to find out that the price of one ounce of gold could put you well on your way to food independence, or even toward creating a small business.

Let’s take a quick look at some practical solutions that can empower individuals and local communities by returning to the land, as well as redefining what “returning to the land” really entails.

There is exciting progress being made even in areas hardest hit by the current economic crisis. Current agricultural techniques such as aquaponics and vertical farming have reduced the space that is required for self-sufficiency and are providing extremely cost-effective methods of food production.

This first video highlights the benefits of producing low-cost, healthy food to begin a process of community building that combines economic concerns, health, and education to start a positive feedback-loop of empowerment.

This second video discusses what can be offered by a small-scale aquaponic system. The closed circle of fish feeding nutrients to vegetables provides year-round healthy food.

And for those who have the individual financial means, or would like to help educate their local community about what a large-scale aquaponics operation entails and can provide, the following video from Purdue Extension, NOAA, & Sea Grant Illinois-Indiana is an excellent way to open a discussion.

It also gives statistics on what level of production can be expected, what fish/plant combination is best, what type of feed is best, the different aquaponic methods and a thorough discussion of the feedback cycle.

With dedication and proper planning, everyone has the ability to thrive by producing their own food and/or working within their community to organize the means to ensure that no one remains dependent.

Once a community finds itself with the means to provide the most basic necessities — and do it in a healthy fashion — the move from stability to growth paves the way toward a long-lasting, thriving local and independent economy built upon production.

Have you or your local community been involved in planning similar low-cost solutions? We would love to hear your ideas in the comment section below.

Hat tip to Local Org for highlighting these videos and other practical solutions.