A taste of things to come?

The drivers for localized produce are upon us. How a city was transformed to maximize local food production.

Localization of food culture, especially organic food growing, is having a ‘new beginning’. Whether because of health, climate, or transportation cost concerns, more and more urban people are seeking out locally grown food. This is subtly changing our views of shopping, eating, and even how international trade and commerce can be conducted when it comes to food.

BBC’s Around The World in 80 Gardens takes a look at Cuba, where sudden food localization came out of the shock of a US-led trade embargo, followed by the collapse of the Soviet Union, has paradoxically thrust the country it into a forward-looking position. This is not a political story. It is an inspirational look at the love of food, and how small companies and individuals respond to local demand in exceptional circumstances. And in some respects it might serve as a model of things to come.