Urban farms a plus

Spokane is taking an important jump forward with the proposed changes to the city code allowing small livestock. As food dollars get tighter, being able to convert food scraps and lawn clippings into eggs and meat will be a welcome relief. Market gardens will encourage us to grow food for each other instead of relying on deliveries from semitrucks.

The “waste” from those gardens (and smaller ones, too) can be changed into milk, meat and fertilizer by goats and pigs. If you’ve never cooked with the rich eggs produced by yard hens, drunk fresh milk or eaten home-grown pork, ask around. People who have will rhapsodize over the wonderful flavors and improved nutrition.

There is concern over how easily small livestock will integrate into the city landscape. Luckily, due to our city’s population of cats and dogs, laws are already in place to manage noise, odor, nuisance, too many animals and/or irresponsible owners.

Another fortuitous event is the transfer of animal control to SCRAPS. Their experience in managing small livestock for Spokane County will be invaluable.

Congratulations, Spokane! We are making a great move toward reliable, independent food grown for ourselves, by ourselves!

Janice Swagerty

Spokane