A 300 square meter plot of land, divided into ten plots, equipped with water for irrigation, is the starting point for the Ferragudo Urban Garden, the first of its kind to be created in the municipality of Lagoa.
The land is located next to the village cemetery, in a place where once there was a crèche, which has since been demolished. Therefore, Luís Alberto, president of Ferragudo Parish Council, the entity responsible for the initiative, says that it was necessary to carry out «preparation of the space, removing debris, building retaining walls and placing new soil».
These works, as can be seen in the photo, are already in the final stage, as the mayor intends to inaugurate the vegetable garden on the 25th of April.
Applications are also underway for the attribution of ten plots of 30 square meters each in Horta Urbana.
"First, and according to the regulation, these plots are intended for households with the lowest incomes in the parish and only then, if there are not enough candidates in these conditions, will we allocate them to other people who apply, to occupy seats that may be vacant, according to a score, as also stated in the regulation», explained Luís Alberto to Sul Informação.
The aim of the project is «to provide the Parish with a community facility with a strong social component, considering the importance of the relationship between Man and the Earth as a form of balance, interaction and integration with the social and environmental environment».
Basically, the Urban Garden, despite its small dimensions, is intended to "close a gap that may exist in people with more difficulties, who will thus be able to cultivate their little piece of land and take their food from here," he added.
In the future, if things go well, the Parish of Ferragudo even intends to organize “small monthly fairs” to dispose of any surpluses produced in the gardens, which will only produce organically.
Because many of the potential people interested in becoming mini farmers may not understand much of the subject, the project foresees two mandatory training actions. There will also be a place for composting green waste, as well as a wooden storage for tools and other utensils, structures that will be built by the Maritime Scouts of Ferragudo, reusing wood, namely from pallets.
In addition to space, irrigation water, tools and training, the Parish Council will also provide the first seeds for the initial wave of micro farmers.
In total, said Luís Alberto, "we will invest in this project close to 20 thousand euros", of which "15 thousand are related to the preparation of the land".
The Horta Urbana de Ferragudo project results from the delegation of powers from the City Council to the parishes, recently agreed, under the new law.
Soon another Urban Garden should appear, but in the Parish of Porches.
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