Dear Editor:
As June arrives here in the Wellington region, it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of urban agriculture and the role of home harvests in our community.
June marks the start of peak growing season, when many local gardens burst to life with leafy greens, early tomatoes, beans and herbs. Whether you have a backyard garden, balcony planters or take part in a community garden, urban agriculture gives us all a chance to reconnect with nature and have more control over what we eat.
Recently U.S. tariffs on agricultural products have contributed to rising food prices, affecting the cost of many fruits and veggies imported into Ontario. For Wellington residents, cultivating personal gardens is a great way to offset these increases, reducing dependence on costly imports and grocery store prices. Home harvests in June help families enjoy fresher, more nutritious food while minimizing the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation.
Personal farming also fosters community resilience, encouraging local knowledge sharing and sustainable practices. It’s a chance to teach younger generations about food systems and build a more food-secure community.
As the warm weather greets us, I encourage everyone to consider doing the following: volunteer at community gardens, make use of seed libraries and begin/grow your own garden.
Together, by embracing urban agriculture, we can nurture a healthier, greener, and more self-reliant Wellington County.
Andres Guanchez Sucre,
Guelph