http://westgatehouse.com/art9.html

On Cuba and sustain ability.

""In America, the work I do is on the fringe, says Rieux. "Organic
farming is still perceived as unusual and far from the norm. It was
exciting to be in a place where the efforts of the entire government are
behind sustainable agriculture. (Sustainable agriculture refers to an
integrated system whereby the gardener works within natural biological
cycles and uses only naturally occurring resources.) The idea of the
small urban farm being highly productive, sustainable and the source of
a nice income was heartening to see. Cuba proves it's feasible, it's
happening.
With limited gasoline to transport, refrigerate and store food from the
countryside, food production was brought to the cities. Cuba now has one
of the most successful urban agriculture programs in the world. The
State is making unused land available to fledgling urban farmers and
thousands of empty lots have been turned into organic oases.
In Havana alone there are 8,000 organic gardens producing a million tons
of food annually. The gardens range in size from a few meters to several
hectares. The urban farmers primarily grow lettuce, bok choy, onions,
chard, radishes, tomato, cabbage and broccoli. Gardens can employ
anywhere from one to 70 people depending on the size of the garden. And
people from all walks of life are participating."

--
Bill S. Jersey USA zone 5 shade garden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q0JfdP36kI