Towering buildings, concrete sidewalks and asphalt streets are not typically what you think of when you think of farming and agriculture, but this is the environment in which one of the newest types of farming is happening: urban agriculture.
What is urban agriculture?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), “Urban agriculture refers to the cultivation, processing and distribution of agricultural products in urban and suburban settings.”
Urban agriculture includes backyards, balconies and rooftop gardens used to raise herbs, vegetables or fruit. It can also be community gardens in parks, vacant lots, greenhouses or vertical farming which includes indoor hydroponic or aquaponic operations found in warehouses or old factories. Urban agriculture also includes any other type of farming or gardening used to produce food in urban or suburban areas.
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When did urban agriculture begin?
The root of urban agriculture can be traced back to 3500 B.C. and Mesopotamia.Archeologists have found evidence of plots in their growing cities designed for the growing of crops and vegetables.All throughout history, there are examples of cities having areas or gardens for the cultivation of crops and vegetables for its citizens.
One of the most popular historical references to urban agriculture was “Victory Gardens,” in which the U.S. Government encouraged people to plant gardens during World War I and World War II, to help increase overall food production during war years.
Benefits from urban agriculture
The communities that have and support urban agriculture can benefit in many ways economically, environmentally and socially.By growing fruits and vegetables in urban areas, it places the food closer to the consumer and helps reduce the transport costs and carbon footprint.In some instances, these urban agricultural enterprises have been placed in food deserts or areas where food insecurity is prevalent.
Urban agriculture is a means to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to people that may not otherwise have access to it.Indoor agricultural ventures can also provide year-round production of vegetables to cities and urban areas.Greater employment opportunities are possible for people wanting to work in these areas.
Environmentally, urban agricultural areas help control stormwater runoff, improve air quality and increase biodiversity.Urban agriculture also provides habitats for pollinators, such as bees, birds, useful insects and animals.
Socially, urban agriculture can help nurture a sense of community by providing a common area and goal for people in the neighborhood.By getting involved in urban agriculture, people strengthen their community while also experiencing a sense of accomplishment and sustainability. Working in urban agriculture projects from the start until crops are harvested is highly satisfying.
How does urbanization affect agriculture?
Urbanization has always had an impact on agriculture. According to the USDA, from 1992 to 2012 the U.S. lost 31 million acres of farmland to development; that works out to a rate of three acres per minute.Urban agriculture can be more productive per square foot measurement because several types of urban agriculture grow vertically and have small space requirements compared to traditional farming.
The difficulty is that there is not as much square footage for urban agriculture as there is available for traditional farming, so with a total amount of food produced, traditional agriculture wins.With the world population continuing to grow, and shrinking amount of farmland, both urban agriculture and traditional farming will have to work together to supply a safe, abundant and affordable food supply.
Is urban agriculture covered by farm insurance?
The Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance’s Rural Guardian Farmowner Policy provides coverage for all sizes, types and shapes, including most types of urban agriculture.Due to the specialty nature of the equipment and processes used in urban agriculture, a visit and consultation from one of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance’s Farm Field Underwriters may be required.
Farm field underwriters are experts in the field of farming and agriculture and can work with you and your Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance agent to custom design coverage options for urban agriculture operations.
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FAQs
Urban gardening and farming involve city dwellers in healthy, active work and recreation. Urban agriculture builds safe, healthy, and green environments in neighborhoods, schools, and abandoned areas.
What are 3 benefits of urban agriculture? ›
Urban farming can provide environmental, economic, and social benefits to the surrounding communities.
What are the benefits of agriculture? ›
Agriculture impacts society in many ways, including: supporting livelihoods through food, habitat, and jobs; providing raw materials for food and other products; and building strong economies through trade.
What are the benefits of community agriculture? ›
Defining Community Agriculture
Rotating crops (building healthy soil, reducing buildup of certain pest/disease populations, and replenishing soil nutrients). Planting cover crops (protecting soil and reducing erosion, and increasing organic matter and nutrient content of soil).
How effective is urban agriculture? ›
Results. For the population of City of Los Angeles, urban agriculture can provide between 7% to 111% of the vegetable need at current levels of consumption depending on the growth scenarios. About 35% of the current vegetable need can be met if all available vacant lot area is converted to intensive urban agriculture.
What are 3 benefits of urbanization? ›
Advantages of urbanization:
- The problem of unemployment will be solved.
- High transportation facilities.
- More education opportunities.
- Recycling process.
- Internet connections will be available.
- More modernized equipment.
- Higher wages in cities on average.
Urban agriculture, which means growing food in cities, evolved throughout human history. Urban agriculture promotes local and sustainable food systems. Agriculture in cities is good for the environment, the ecosystem, and the climate. Urban farming brings communities together and it improves the health of citizens.
How does agriculture benefit the environment? ›
Pasture and cropland occupy around 50 percent of the Earth's habitable land and provide habitat and food for a multitude of species. When agricultural operations are sustainably managed, they can preserve and restore critical habitats, help protect watersheds, and improve soil health and water quality.
What are the benefits of plants in agriculture? ›
In addition to benefits for future crops, cover crops can provide winter food, cover, and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife, as well as forage opportunities for livestock producers. During the growing season, flowering cover crops can offer food and habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Why is agriculture important for kids? ›
In addition, students learn the basics of how to grow crops or tend to livestock, so they can create a vegetable garden or raise chickens for eggs. This knowledge reduces the divide between farm and table and enhances food security. Additionally, agricultural education teaches students basic survival skills.
The pros of agriculture are providing human food, reducing soil erosion, supporting other industries, enhancing farming sustainability, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring low-cost food production. It promotes eco-friendly farming techniques, boosts farmers' markets, and combats starvation and poverty.
How does agriculture impact our community? ›
Agriculture provides many benefits to communities. Agriculture creates both jobs and economic growth. Communities also hold agricultural-based events, such as crop and livestock judging competitions and 4-H exhibits at their county fair.
How do farmers help others? ›
Local farmers can act as role models to young people in a community. They give back to the community by volunteering, donating food and employing local people. They can also help to educate young people about their relationship with nature and influence the next generation of young farmers.
How to do urban agriculture? ›
Starting an Urban Farm?
- Find Training. There is a great deal of knowledge and expertise involved with starting a farm. ...
- Create a Business Plan. ...
- Find Appropriate Land. ...
- Test Soil. ...
- Learn the Basics of Production. ...
- Ensure Food Safety. ...
- Learn about Other Urban Farms. ...
- Explore Resources for Beginning Farmers.
Community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic and aquaponic facilities, and vertical production, are all examples of urban agriculture. Tribal communities and small towns may also be included.
How does urban farming help the poor? ›
Additionally, it makes fresh food cheaper, allowing people in low-income areas access to affordable produce. Urban farming can help reduce poverty because when more people have jobs and are able to buy, it fuels the economy, creating even more opportunities.
What are 3 environmental benefits of urbanization? ›
What are the environmental benefits of urbanization? Recycling, higher per capita expenditures on environmental problems, preserves biodiversity by reducing stress on wildlife.
What are the benefits of urban soil? ›
Importance of Urban Soils
These functions include stormwater management, mitigation of urban heat island impacts, recreational spaces, and even habitat for the conservation of plants and animals. Some urban areas are experiencing a significant increase in the number of vacant properties.
What are the benefits of rural vs urban? ›
A rural area offers open spaces and a closer connection to nature with less population density and a slower pace of life. On the other hand, urban areas provide a vibrant atmosphere, proximity to amenities, and a bustling community.
