The paper discusses the validity of the ‘‘urban versus rural’’ dichotomy in scientific literature, statistics and urban planning practice, especially in empirical studies developed around the issue of vegetable and animal farming inside and around cities. Santiago’s rural–urban interface is presented as a case study. Sample results extracted in early 2003 have shown that farming mixed with other land uses is even now a reality in Southern Santiago, supported in solidarity alliances and a characteristic life philosophy, giving researchers the possibility of exploring a living ecocity laboratory.