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Cultivating vegetables in the city: it is the bet of urban agriculture, which makes it possible to bring producers and consumers closer. Initiatives flourish everywhere in France.
On the roofs of the Opera Bastille (Paris) hides a vegetable garden: 2,500 m2 where this spring beans, strawberries, potatoes and herbs grow. “”Finally, we are a little disconnected from the city and its somewhat noisy atmosphere “Rejoices Arnaud Boudon, the market gardener. 800 kilos of vegetables and flowers are collected here each year, sold to grocery stores and restaurants. The vegetable garden also brings biodiversity in town and an island of freshness.
Once a week, the vegetables are sold and delivered in a restaurant located 7 minutes from the opera. The short circuit is assured for the cook, Baptiste Day, all at an affordable price.
Individuals also get into it by cultivating on their balcony. Municipalities, they, follow the trend. In La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime), a roundabout was thus transformed into a vegetable garden. A dozen varieties are cultivated between cars. Individuals are allowed to use time for time. Most of the production, 1.5 tonnes in 2024, is donated to charitable associations. “It allows you to bring the producer and the consumer closer”Chantal Vetter also rejoices, the deputy mayor in charge of nature in the city.
Watch the entire report in the video above
