Local Food

Encompasses small-scale city farm to full-size rural farms that are organic, biodynamic, regenerative or utilizing other sustainable methods. Can be used to indicate 4H demonstration farms, agriculture schools or food security resources and commercial growing networks.

Any size of agricultural farm established in urban or residential areas, outdoors, on the roof, indoors, even in a schoolyard. Can be cooperative, commercial, educational, therapeutic, demonstration, etc.

Garden with assigned plots shared and maintained by local residents in urban areas. There may be a waiting list, limited availability, fences and/or a shed with tools, water, etc, but they are not residential. Generally the food is for personal consumption but may also be shared with neighbors. Also known as Pea Patch.

Often planted on public or formerly abandoned land and run by volunteers who cultivate food, flowers and closer relationships to nature and one another. Sometimes fenced and locked or threatened by development, but generally open to all participants, raising the quality of life in the community, and improving habitat, air and soil quality at the same time. Some gardens serve a specific need such as supplying produce for local Food Banks.

Short for permanent agriculture, this sustainable system of agriculture and settlement is practiced all over the world. Permaculture Design can be applied to various types of projects. Eco-agriculture is a more general term.

Flora that is indigenous in the region, sometimes called old growth, heirloom or indigenous species. Native species requires less water and care than exotic imports, and usually attract more birds, bees and butterflies, and help the cycle of life stay in balance. You can indicate a master gardener, permaculturalist or horticulturalist or information center with this icon, as they can help everyone identify and care for the native plants. Rich with biodiversity, food forests are 'wilder' than orchards.

Privately owned fruit plants are usually in formations that maximize productiveness. May be owned by a farm, family, school, etc. Ideally, sustainably managed using nontoxic / integrated pest management and varieties are in tune with the changing climate, water conditions and local consumption.n designed by our team.

Livestock may be seen here. Silvopasture is the practice of integrating trees, forage, and the grazing of domesticated animals in a mutually beneficial way. A form of agroforestry, silvopasture utilizes the principles of managed grazing.

Does your town have land that is reserved for agriculture? Use this icon for these sites and for sources of information. May be used as a point or area.

Compost, mulch, biochar, cover crops, No Dig and other soil stewardship techniques makes for great soil. Soil building practices are becoming more valuable each day. Icon can indicate a point or an area.

Water is essential for plant growth. Careful management to ensure that clean water is shared in a just way, a healthy watershed and thriving habitat are key.

From hoop houses to more permanent climate controlled structures, food production greenhouses can extend the growing season. This may include sustainably raised domesticated animals such as chickens and rabbits, etc. with consideration to animal protection, careful waste treatment, proximity to where the produce will be consumed, etc.

Worm breeding technology that allows the recycling of organic matter and creates humus that enriches soil.

Fresh water or sea water farming for the cultivation of oysters, kelp, clams, fish, coral and other marine life. Could be problematic to wildlife.

A farm where pesticides and fertilizer are not well-managed, but mix with animal waste and contaminate local waterways. Sometimes called non-point pollution, feedlot or factory farm, this can impact a wide area.

Invasive Species can be seen here, crowding out native species. This can potentially impact food sources, sunlight and water for other species.

Sells regionally grown produce. May be organic or traditional conventionally grown foods, sold in a lively permanent or temporary setting. Food does not travel far, so it's fresh and nutritious. Shopping here directly supports small family farms, local economies and a greener countryside.

Local food that is grown near to where it is consumed, so it has fewer 'food miles' that decrease freshness and increased shipping and other ecological impacts. Organic food is grown without pesticides (biocides), genetic modification or synthetic fertilizers. No chemicals or waxes are added after harvesting. Usually prepared in a way to maximize the nutritional value; may include fair trade or direct trade practices.

The emphasis is on wholesome, healthful, fresh foods. Vegetarian and vegan (no animal products); gluten-free, meat and dairy products from ethically treated animals, without genetic modifications or factory farm practices. Endangered fish, marine and other species are not served. Cooperatively-owned cafes, cafes that grow their own food, "Slow Food", traditional or special local cuisines.

Enjoy a meal, drinks or snack in a park, an outdoor cafe, food truck area or picnic zone. Can be temporary cafe seating or an ongoing location designed for physical distancing.

Cuisine of a particular place, often made from local ingredients. These foods can re-introduce traditional food preservation, nutrition, indigenous and gourmet practices. Often seasonal, hand-made and in limited quantities.

A locally famous cafe or restaurant or brew house that is part of the culture of the community.

Food and other products that are not derived from animals.

A place to provide or take food for free (or small donation). More casual than a food bank, this may be a single community fridge or other forms of mutual aid, including a pop up pantry. In the UK, Community Larders rescue food from supermarkets, with the focus on keeping food out of landfill.