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History of our Community Food Systems Program
In 1990, PCEI initiated a sustainable agriculture program in response
to the increasing controversy over conventional agricultural practices
and their negative social, environmental, and economic impacts.
Because of changing agricultural and social climates, PCEI's
sustainable agriculture program evolved into a Community Food Systems
program. Taking a holistic approach to addressing important regional
food and agricultural issues, the program is dedicated to fostering
citizen participation in the development of local food systems that
support regional family farmers and fulfill local citizen's food and
fiber needs while enhancing the health of local ecosystems.
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Four Historical Project Areas:
- Food Systems Network
- Ag Options Network Projects, 1993-1996
- Community Food Security
- Farm & Market Garden Tours
- From Seed to Shelf Education
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Examples of Success:
- The Kopel Farm Community Garden was started with the help of a
Community Support Club in 1994. The club's focus was the development of
a sustainable agriculture demonstration site.
- Over 300 individuals participated in the 1994 Shop Smart Community
Support Club's tours to teach consumers how to make environmentally
wise shopping decisions when shopping at local grocery stores.
- In Southern Idaho, the Teton County Economic Development Council's
newsletter was sent to over 400 businesses in Teton County including
farmers, ranchers, retailers, manufacturers, service businesses, home
offices, recreational businesses, professionals and crafts people. The
newsletter was designed to help local enterprises meet the unique
challenges of doing business in the Teton Valley.
- 1997-1998: Celebrating Cultural Diversity Through Food Systems
Education program
- In 1994 and 1995, the Palouse Soil Enhancement Program Farm
Improvement Club developed plots to test the soil water retention and
perking qualities of a new sub-tillage system. Water quality checks
were conducted in nearby streams and ponds to evaluate the effects of
this tillage system on water quality. The club was seeking ways to
minimize fertilizer and chemical leaching.
- In eastern Washington in 1996, the Farmer Rancher Direct Marketing
Farm Improvement Club focused on developing a network of producers and
consumers committed to supporting a sustainable regional food system
through direct marketing to food-buying clubs, families and
individuals.
- The Southwestern Farm Improvement Club in 1996, continued their
research project to increase and maintain populations of beneficial
insects capable of suppressing potential pest populations.
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Peggy Adams, founder of the
Moscow Community Garden
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Moscow Community Garden History
The Moscow Community Garden was founded in early 2000 by Peggy Adams as
a project of the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute in
cooperation with Emmanuel Lutheran Church. It is located at 1050 West C
Street.
The Moscow Community Garden is a place where both permanent and
temporary residents of the area can come together to enjoy a shared
love of gardening, a sense of community and a beautiful view of the
Palouse. The garden is available to anyone who would like to grow
flowers or food organically.
Growing at the Moscow Community Garden gives you an opportunity to
share with other gardeners your love of gardening, your knowledge and
your produce. You can learn from others, too. Gardeners with a range of
skills and techniques grow at our community garden. We have first-time
and expert gardeners growing side-by-side sharing insights and tips. |
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