Maximum Yield Modern Growing | UK EU Edition | May June 2017

max facts
Eating Healthy Cheaper Than Buying Junk Food
A new report from the Institute of Economic Affairs has found that healthy food
is, for the most part, cheaper than junk food. Unlike previous
studies, this new research measured the cost per edible weight
as opposed to the cost per calorie of 78 common food and drink
products. As reported in the Telegraph, the cheapest processed
foods cost “more than £1.92 per kilogram, whereas typical fruit
and vegetables cost less than that amount.” This finding
counters the thought that cost is driving poor nutrition and
obesity. “The idea that poor nutrition is caused by the high
cost of healthy food is simply wrong. People are prepared
to pay a premium for taste and convenience,” says Chris
Snowdon, the report’s author. “Given the relatively high cost of
junk food, it is unlikely that taxing unhealthy food or subsidising
healthy food would change people's eating habits.”
metro.co.uk
Global Boom Time for Urban Farms
Urban farming is booming worldwide, says French urban farming project consultant
Marie Dehaene. “There is a huge variety of formats and business models,” she says.
“There have also been changes in stakeholders, in the law, in building ownership,
and management that have encouraged people to do it.” However, local factors
determine the viability and format of such schemes, particularly at larger scales.
“In New York, most fresh produce comes from California or Mexico. California
is under environmental strain and there are concerns about traceability. In
Singapore, there is a drive for greater food self-sufficiency, while in Japan
there has been concern about polluted land post-Fukushima. People lost trust
in the quality of produce and some typically Japanese vegetables can’t be
imported. So, in these places, there has been a real reason to make it viable
on a large scale. There are also such projects in France, but there is a cultural
difference too.”
hortweek.com
Plymouth's Urban Farm Beginning to Take Root
Volunteers have helped plant Plymouth's biggest orchard as part of a
huge community park which will provide a green space in the growing
city. More than 200 fruit trees are set to provide free food for residents as new
homes and roads are built. Planning chiefs say they are keen to preserve the city's
green spaces even as the north of the city is developed. In early March, volunteers planted
216 fruit trees as part of Derriford's new community park. Plymouth City Council wants to open
up 140-hectares of the beautiful Forder, Seaton, and Bircham Valley. More than 200 volunteers
have already planted 900 metres of hedgerow to provide a new haven for wildlife. Plymouth
Environmental Action has led community planting days through the winter. Now the orchard has
taken root. The council said it will provide a free, healthy, local food source for residents and give
bees and other insects many more opportunities to pollinate.
plymouthherald.co.uk
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