THE RURBAN FRINGE

Growing Food Helps Connect Urban and Rural Neighbours

In the Toronto Star, Jesse McLean shares how small, niche farm operations are doing just that.
Today, people … are trying to reconnect urbanites to the farm, and in doing so, re-establish the farmer as a neighbour – one not defined by proximity, but by a common, more intimate connection – food. 
Click here to read the [...]

Long Weekend Round Up: Frankenfoods, Helicopter-parenting and Rural War Life

On the eve of a long weekend, I was pleasantly surprised by the random bits of interesting information that came my way today … and so, in lieu of a regular post, I bring you:
This food is just fine … an editorial from the Ottawa Citizen supporting genetically modified farming practices because, hey, those urban chickens and rooftop [...]

Farmers Markets Must Cater to the Consumer

Local food is cool.  It’s a trend seen everywhere these days … on TV, in newspapers, online.  Yet even with the expansion of many markets catering to food that is grown and produced locally, there are many more farmers markets who struggle to remain open.
Why?  Poor or no market management is typically one reason.  But perhaps [...]

Old MacDonald Had a Farm … and Ventured into Tourism!

What do a farmsite B&B, a greenhouse, and a rural driving tour all have in common?  They are all forms of agri-tourism … and they all exist within my region. 
They were also in attendance at a unique workshop hosted by Canadian Badlands on developing agri-tourism on farm or ranch land.  Ag tourism is nothing new, of course, operations [...]

Rural Writer Nominated for Literary Prize

I’m an avid fan of Canadian literature and, each fall, eagerly anticipate the lists of authors nominated for various literary prizes.
This year, it was great to see the nomination of a predominantly rural writer, Brian Brett, for his non-fiction work Trauma Farm.
Reviews of Trauma Farm have been overwhelming positive, including …
“Trauma Farm reads almost as an invitation, [...]

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