What is Urban Farming?

Exploding populations in metropolitan areas throughout the world has increased the need for healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables. To combat hunger and improve the quality of foods eaten by urban dwellers, many are now participating in urban farming initiatives. These farmers are comprised of volunteer groups assisting those in need, businesses growing food for profit, neighborhood associations working together to provide locally grown food to all, and private citizens who want to take control of the foods they eat. Whatever the purpose, urban farming utilizes unused space to grow foods in a local area, which lowers the cost of food by eliminating transport, and gets food to consumers in the freshest state possible. Urban farming can be set up in many different ways. A neighborhood might designate an entire city block for the community to use, with residents each being allotted a plot on which to grow the foods of their choice for their families. Alternatively, a space may be ...  more

Goldring: Urban farming is generally practiced for income-earning or food-producing activities. It contributes to food security and food safety by increasing the amount of food available to people living in cities, and by allowing fresh vegetables and fruits and meat products to be made available to urban consumers. My thinking is that any new development that is committed to sustainability should include urban farming. MHN: Where do you plan to incorporate this idea? Goldring: I have two pieces of land right now; one is a 10-acre plot in Brandon, Fla. and the other is comprised of 109 acres in Orlando. Both are planned for residential development. I am still in the planning stage and am looking for people with the right expertise to team up with. The 10-acre land is only single-family and the 109-acre land is multifamily as well as mixed-use. MHN: What are the key elements you are considering right now? Goldring: Agriculture has to be understood in terms of what is to be cultivated ...  more