World Food Security Options

From: J Birch Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 10:05:49 PM To: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>; dujarric@un.org <dujarric@un.org>; GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca <GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca>; news@skynews.com <news@skynews.com>; tips@GlobalTVBC.com <tips@GlobalTVBC.com>; newsonline@ctv.ca <newsonline@ctv.ca>; ctvottawa@ctv.ca <ctvottawa@ctv.ca>; contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com <contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com>; Secretary@HHS.gov <Secretary@HHS.gov>; govpress@la.gov <govpress@la.gov>; governor@governor.ca.gov <governor@governor.ca.gov>; correspondence@council.nyc.gov <correspondence@council.nyc.gov>; contactus@newfoundlandlabrador.com <contactus@newfoundlandlabrador.com>; letters@theaustralian.com.au <letters@theaustralian.com.au>; online@theaustralian.com.au <online@theaustralian.com.au>; david.penberthy@news.com.au <david.penberthy@news.com.au>; thomash@theaustralian.com.au <thomash@theaustralian.com.au>; SingaporeDesk@mediacorp.com.sg <SingaporeDesk@mediacorp.com.sg>; dir_enq@cso.gov.hk <dir_enq@cso.gov.hk> Subject: World Food Security Options (opinion)

Hey Everyone, I was reading a story that the UN is concerned about food scarcity in the upcoming months due to the pandemic. The story indicated that In Australia a number of seasonal workers are about to migrate to the Winter farmlands in Queensland. It also indicated that while Hong Kong and Singapore can import food they do not have the farmland capacity as other nations. This got me thinking of ways that we can help cities and nations across the globe. I have said before on social media that we should create Skyscraper farms, converting office towers into hydroponic gardens similar to Devonian Gardens In Canada but geared towards produce and agriculture. These towers would be setup to allow for each floor to have its own crops to allow cities without farmland the ability to grow upwards. In future we can even construct skyscraper enclosed terraces to allow for open skylights above to let natural sunlight in. This will allow countries like Australia to produce food without having to crowd together in one area so that they can all remain as safe as possible. This will also allow countries like Hong Kong and Singapore to grow food to supplement any imports especially during this time. In future once the crisis has passed these can be used year round to help feed the homeless and most vulnerable among us, bolster school lunch programs and provide fresh produce to food banks. This will allow us to not only weather this crisis but also help to supplement our charities and food banks moving forward. They can even be built or outfitted with solar panels to power the indoor greenhouses to allow them more green efficiency for the environment and be more cost effective for the company. In addition, for essential agriculture workers perhaps we can look at a grid system in relation to worker deployment to allow the worker to work their grid while still maintaining distance from other workers. For those who produce the goods in factories or silos then full PPE can be worn when physical distancing is not possible. We should also look at rainwater collectors and water filters on the ceilings of the towers or greenhouses to catch and filter the rainwater to also reduce cost for the company. This way all water within the tower or structure would be filtered, cleaned and recycled as much as possible to ensure the building itself is self sufficient. This is not only better for the environment but for the company as it reduces operating cost allowing more for your workforce or charities. We can also designate trading hubs to coordinate food shipments globally to be sent to affected areas and nations. Similar to a global food bank where countries can donate goods to help those nations unable to grow food or import it. These were just a few thoughts I was having about agriculture around the world and wanted to share to help both this generation and the next. Together we can overcome any adversity before us, together we will not only save one another but feed each other. Stay Safe, Stay Sanitized and Stay Supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2