FotoFood
Urban Farming in Havana and London by Lulu Ash
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and in the face of ongoing US embargoes, Cuba lost its supply of oil, machinery and petrochemical fertilisers, leading to a severe economic crisis. The agricultural system, which relied heavily on imported chemical based pesticides and fertilisers became unsustainable.
The Cuban government responded by mobilising domestic resources to avoid acute food shortages and mass starvation. Cuba is now at the forefront of sustainable agriculture based on organic local food production. In Havana, Ash documents Organoponicos, community growing spaces covering 8% of land in the capital, which have transformed derelict urban spaces into thriving organic farms. The Organoponicos produce four million tonnes of organic produce each year using integrated pest management, crop rotation, composting and soil conservation as well as providing employment to many thousands of local people. Ash’s photo essay combines urban landscapes, intimate portraits of the farmers and the techniques they employ, as well as highlighting the benefits to health, environment and community life in Havana.
In the UK we rely heavily on imported food and crops grown with the intensive use of oil based chemicals and fertilisers. We are now more reliant on food imports than at any other stage in the last 40 years.
In response to this and to complement her photo essay on Havana’s Organoponicos, Lulu documents Capital Growth a food growing initiative in London. The project aims to create 2,012 new community food growing spaces across the capital by the end of 2012. Capital Growth is a partnership initiative between London Food Link, the Mayor of London and the Big Lottery’s Local Food Fund.
Lulu’s photo essay highlights a local food movement in Britain, which is creating practical solutions to the issues of finite oil supplies and food security. Many of the growing spaces, previously plots of derelict land, have provided benefits in health, safety, community cohesion and employment.






There are now more than 200 biological control centres throughout Cuba, producing a host of biological agents.

Complementary plants such as marigolds, basil and neem trees are planted around crops to keep aphids and beetles at bay. Sunflowers and corn are planted around the beds to attract beneficial insects such as ladybirds and lace wings.

With the soil so badly damaged by oil and chemical based fertilisers it took the farmers three to five years to make the land fertile and productive again.

This makes a richer fertiliser more efficiently than regular compost, with the humus binding together the farmed land to increase plant nutrients, which help control plant disease and stimulate growth.








Findings from scientific research centres can be disseminated and implemented quickly. The Organoponicos movement, which started with just twenty people, now has a membership of over 50,000 farmers nationwide.




The project works with young people to inspire them to grow organic and sustainable food and uses empty spaces, rooftop gardens and courtyard allotments to help create a more connected and sustainable London.

The volunteers collect food waste from the supermarket to create compost, which is used for the growing process. The produce is then shared between the gardeners as well as being sold in the supermarket. The project is also a learning and educational space for the local community.

The Garden also includes large raised beds for growing food, with tomatoes, peppers and scented herbs grown by Dalston residents. The project has an emphasis on working with children who otherwise would have limited access to green spaces.