The city of Oakland (Calif.) made a move in the wrong direction when they recently told urban farmer Novella Carpenter she'd need a permit to keep selling vegetables in the city, costing up to $4500. (Carpenter is author of Farm City.) SF Chronicle writer Chip Johnson wrote a great article on the situation; excerpt:
"…In September, when the Oakland City Council returns from break and is scheduled to make major policy changes in city urban farming rules, it would be fitting to reimburse the pioneering urban farmer for any permit fees she may have incurred, and to apologize for creating a problem that never existed.
The council should also keep in mind that growing food and raising animals for personal consumption is historically considered one of the most basic rights human beings possess.
(My italics - LK.)
Carpenter and her boyfriend have farmed the lot on 28th Street for eight years without any problems from the city. Typically, they grow chard and cilantro and set up a booth once a month to sell vegetables, T-shirts and copies of her book, "Farm City." And, in recent years, she has raised rabbits, chickens, goats and even a few pigs.
In a neighborhood known for illegal drug sales and occasional gun fire, you would think Carpenter's endeavor would be recognized as a positive development. Nope.…"
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