[Terrapreta] Fw: [farmandfood] City Farm Showcase

[David Yarrow]

the UN Commission on Sustainable Development conference in early May seems like a great opportunity to showcase terra preta and biochar to a wide range of international groups concerned about sustainable food supply, renewable energy and climate change.  below is a notice i received today via the regional farm & food project.

is anybody interested and able to show for this event?  i have a powerpoint illustrated talk and 20-page newsletter, and by early may i hope to have an instruction manual on how to make & use biochar.  NYC is only three hours down the hudson valley from me, but i have neither money nor motivation to go to NYC on my own.

for a green & peaceful planet,
David Yarrow
44 Gilligan Rd, E Greenbush, NY 12061
www.championtrees.org
www.OnondagaLakePeaceFestival.org
www.farmandfood.org

In the Spring of 2008, when the region’s food supply will be blossoming, New York City will host United Nations meetings on sustainable food, agriculture, land, and rural development. From May 5 – 16, the UN Commission on Sustainable Development will convene and bring together representatives of national governments, agriculture and environment ministries; leaders of farm, business, indigenous, worker, youth, scientific and non-governmental communities from every region of the world.

These leaders, from remote communities to national capitols, will come together to compare the best practices for sustainable agriculture and rural development. Case studies will range from mobile markets in South Bronx, New York, to Masai herders’ mobile markets in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants will share lessons, challenges and opportunities to reduce hunger and poverty while conserving soil and water resources. Each sector will engage in dialogue about the role of policy and partnerships, particularly focusing on the benefits that rural and urban communities experience through sustainable development of food and water supply, labor and economic opportunity, and the health of land and people.

New York and the Northeast will showcase urban-rural partnerships that bring sustainable food to the city and the city to sustainable food. The showcase, to be held in the vicinity of the world class Greenmarket in Union Square, will bring to life the themes under discussion at the UN, including: 
• Community food projects including youth farmers’ markets, mobile markets, and educational programs taking place in schools, hospitals and senior centers; 
• Rural agriculture and development projects such as onfarm, marketing and distribution, and cooperative ventures;
• Scientific and technical projects and partnerships to promote sustainability;
• Programs and projects of city, state, national and international government agencies; and
• Forums for practitioners and policy makers to review local, state, national and international initiatives to support sustainable agriculture and regional food systems.


The Showcase will include tours to city farms, gardens and food projects, as well as regional sustainable food production sites near New York City. At The New School and in nearby venues, information booths, meetings, performances, briefings, speakers, press events and other activities will bring city farm linkages to life for members of the general public as well as international delegates to the UN from the world over. 


In January, organizations, agencies, and other sponsors of activities will be secured and support will be sought for various components of the Showcase. Organizers of this event will rely on the organizational and volunteer support to cover some of the necessary costs. Added costs will be sought from local and national donors and agencies. Out of pocket expenses are expected for printing and media coverage, space rental, food purveying, transportation for field trips, and some administration cost. A full budget will be prepared by late January, 2008. 

If you or your organization would like to take part in any of the activities mentioned here, have other ideas for events or meetings during the UN Commission on Sustainable Development meeting, and are willing to support or organize one or more activities, please contact Thomas Forster by email at Thomas.Forster at practice2policy.org or call 360-421-3781. 

For more information, visit www.practice2policy.org and www.sustainablefoodmonitor.org.


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