The unusually high costs of urban farming forces farmers to seek the highest possible dollar return on their crops. And yet, due to the proximity of neighbors, they can't spray pesticides at will, further narrowing their options. Beth van Gunten, who organizes meetings in Ventura County for the Community Alliance With Family Farmers on reducing chemical inputs, said urban and suburban farmers respond to these circumstances in one of two ways. Some, like the MOA Farm, turn to organic farming, which is labor-intensive but also enjoys a higher financial return. Lacking extra land to use in a crop rotation, urban strawberry growers must fumigate the soil with methyl bromide, one of the most toxic and controversial pesticides and herbicides presently in use.
Air pollution is another matter.
The Takahashis and Luconi, who farm near the coast, say it has not harmed their crops. Katchi Takahashi said Top Veg's vegetables got a clean bill of health when they were surreptitiously tested by a biochemist who was searching for produce that could be consumed by a patient with severe allergies. Contrary to expectations, Takahashi said the researcher, who later reported his findings to the family, found Top Veg's produce to be the purest, beating out supermarket-bought organic vegetables. Organic farmer Luconi of nearby MOA Farm also had his vegetables tested. The lab found a very low content of lead.