My argument for that is: Why not create urban farms that are like parks, on public land? There actually is a park that I see as a model: Dover Street Park in Oakland. They took this park that has swings and playground-type things and turned it into a farm. There's not chickens, just annual vegetables interspersed with fruit trees. And it's super cool because you see people playing with their kids and then they go pick raspberries and some greens for dinner.
Novella CarpenterI don't know Hillary's Clinton stance on urban farming. I don't know Donald Trump's stance or Bernie Sanders's for that matter. But the Obamas have been amazing. You know, Michelle Obama, she planted that garden. She keeps bees there at the White House. Little known fact, though, is that Laura Bush also had an organic garden but she never told anyone about it.
Novella CarpenterI didn't think that at the beginning. I just wanted to have a garden and a farm and have animals around me. But I do think there's a craving for people to feel a connection. Honestly, it's building on an immigrant tradition, where you bring your country to America. You bring your seeds from Italy. My neighbors are Vietnamese, so they're growing their herbs and stuff that they miss from Vietnam.
Novella CarpenterYou have to make people understand that things cost something. Otherwise it seems like they have no value. I can't just be giving away rabbits. No. It costs five bucks, so make it work for you.
Novella CarpenterI feel that anyone can do farming. But people who are in it for the long haul have to have a little bit of tenacity. You have to do it because you love it, not because it's cool, because there will be moments when it's not cool.
Novella CarpenterI think that's part of people wanting a wholesome life, to surround yourself with farm animals and fields. That's sort of an American ideal.
Novella CarpenterMy argument for that is: Why not create urban farms that are like parks, on public land? There actually is a park that I see as a model: Dover Street Park in Oakland. They took this park that has swings and playground-type things and turned it into a farm. There's not chickens, just annual vegetables interspersed with fruit trees. And it's super cool because you see people playing with their kids and then they go pick raspberries and some greens for dinner.
Novella Carpenter