There is something at our core that warms to the idea of “urban farming.” The agrarian roots of our nation’s economy are but a rapidly fading memory in the face of mega-corporate control and its sterile mechanization of food production in modern times. The old family farm has, sadly, gone condo.

The Board of Alderman move to allow limited forms of home farming in the city can be seen as a step forward in restoring some of that old time feeling of self-sufficiency. Some may have doubts regarding health and safety issues as small livestock is brought into the urban mix, along with concerns over the already pressing problem of rodent control.

The guidelines set forth by the Board governing this should provide adequate protection for resident and consumer protection. No one will be driving in herds of cattle, sheep, or mountain goats. A few chickens and a couple of beehives do not a barnyard make. A well-tended vegetable patch is equally innocuous.

As our economy continues to struggle, with high prices for goods and services, it is a no-brainer that families and individuals would seek out ways to provide for their sustenance and maybe make a few bucks in the process. One is reminded of the “victory gardens” of the WWII era. When backed up to the wall, we Americans can usually find a way to push our way back and even get a little ahead at the end of the day.

May our new urban farmers be successful in their efforts and may we all benefit to some degree from this small revival of the agrarian ideal.

If we do it right it should be interesting.