Benefits of Urban

Farming

urban farmingIn cities, people do not relate with farming anymore.

Today, the younger generation living in the cities do not know the source of their food and the weather and pollution can affect their food supply.

When the switch is on, you get light, when the tap is on, you get water, nature and the weather does not affect people as much as before.

utilization of space

• In many cities with tall buildings, even though land is scarce and expensive, the roof is often left bare and unused. Urban farming on roofs and open spaces can make use of these spaces.

food supply• By using the roofs

and other open spaces in the city, vegetable farms can produce up to 10% of the vegetables the city consumes.

(Today 50% of world population live in the city)

food security

• You know where you food is grown, and it can be grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

less transportation

• There is no transportation needed if your vegetables is grown from your roof. (nearly all food in city is imported)

• No transportation = no need for preservatives and refrigeration. (transportation causes damage and waste of food)

economic base• Urban farming provides employment,

income, and access to food for urban populations, which together contributes to relieve chronic and emergency food insecurity.

• Farming and selling activities can be combined more easily with household tasks and child care.

social benefits• In apartments,

neighbors seldom communicate. Urban farming on roofs will get people to meet in the morning and sharing their passion and perhaps their harvest.

reduce organic waste• A compost heap can be set up near urban farms,

and organic household waste and dead leaves can be used as fertilizers instead of transporting to the incinerator to burn.

educate community

• By physically farming for food, the younger generation can learn to appreciate the environment, and the life cycle of the vegetables.

• Urban farms also are a proven effective educational tool to teach kids about healthy eating and meaningful physical activity

successful programs

• P-Patch Program Seattle - http://www.seattle.gov/Neighborhoods/ppatch/

• City Farm in Chicago - http://www.resourcecenterchicago.org/70thfarm.html

• Vertical Farming - http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/10/technology/farming_vertical.biz2/index.htm?postversion=2007091105

• New York Skyfarming - http://nymag.com/news/features/30020/