Wow! Thanks for that. That is how dire need and necessity brought out the best in folks there, and i have no doubt that that will be the effect of similar circumstances that i see developing in the capitalist world.
Yeah, that's the way to do it. I liked the use of plug trays and raised beds ,it is easy to "plug in" inexperienced gardeners to such a system. It makes sense growing the high yielding, high value crops such as salad crops and asian greens in the inner city, and crops like potatoes squash and beans on the edge of town where perhaps you have more land.

Good video. I saw another good video with a bit more history and detail some time ago about the Cuba situation and the urabnization of agriculture. It's really about how they had to deal with a 'Peak Oil' type crisis:

video.google.com/videoplay

Reminds of some things that also came out of a Mollison interview a few years ago that also covered the energy aspects of long range shipping of produce and other goods:

www.seedsofchange.com/cutting...iew.aspx

There was another article titled, 'Transcontinental Lettuce' about the same issue it making more sense from a energy consumption perspective to have food production centers located near population centers. If I had more time I would google it and post the link here. I am sure if you are interested a quick search will pull it up. It is interesting to see how many good permaculture videos have hit the net of late. Also, the October 1998 issue of National Geographic was primarily devoted to food and population issues, as well as a more recent addition look at soil issues. Can't remember the issue off the top of my head, but am pretty sure it was last year or 2007. A youtube search will pull up a bunch more permaculture videos and even more can be had here:

permaculture.50webs.net/

www.permacultureactivist.net/vid....htm

Here is another video about urban agriculture in cuba. This one more in depth i think but it is from 2003. I think we can learn a lot from the cuban experience at the present juncture.

www.youtube.com/watch