I went to Eastie Farm in Boston on February 10th.
The farm grows fresh fruits and vegetables and provides them to the people of the town at low prices. Usually, local produce is sold at high prices in supermarkets, so people tend to buy cheaper slightly fewer fresh vegetables and fruits. However, fresh vegetables and fruits grown on this farm are inexpensive, making it an important place for the local people. Also, the CSA program allows the producers to interact with the local people. The farm also composts the food loss so that it does not have a negative impact on the environment. I learned that they are trying to make food loss more earth-friendly, and I feel that each of us must be aware of the need to reduce food loss. I was also surprised to learn that they use rainwater to water their crops. The reason why they use rainwater is that rainwater does noy contain some harmful chemicals, so it has a good effect on the crops.
Since my research is about poverty in South Sudan, this trip is not directly related to it. However, one of the causes of poverty is hunger, and as a solution to this problem, I think it is important to increase the number of organizations like Eastie Farm that provide cheap, nutritious, and fresh vegetables and fruits. By doing so, the problem of hunger un developing countries can be solved, even if only a little.
There are very few farms in Japanese urban areas, and this was first time to visit a farm in an urban area in Boston. Also, I learned a lot of things that I didn’t know before, such as how to grow crops in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. In addition, I’m curious how many environmentally and people-friendly farms like Eastie Farm will increase in the future. Lastly, I recommend this farm to anyone who wants to learn how to farm in an environmentally friendly and efficient way.
Haruka Yamamoto