As the world population continues to increase, and the agriculture industry faces challenges such as crucial water issues and less arable land, urban Agriculture is on the rise. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) describes Urban Agriculture as the cultivation, processing and distribution of agricultural products in urban areas. Examples of urban farming include community gardens, rooftop gardens, vertical production, aeroponic and aquaponic facilities. As agriculture experts explore the benefits of urban agriculture, three significant benefits include enhancing food security, reducing food miles and improving community health.
Enhancing Food Security
A food secure world ensures that all people have access to affordable and nutritious food. The World Food Programme estimates 345 million people are facing high levels of food insecurity in 2023 globally, which has doubled since 2020. In 2021, the USDA reports that 10.2 percent (13.5 million) of households in the U.S. were food insecure. In urban areas, food insecurity was higher at 12.2 percent. Urban agriculture has the potential to enhance food security by providing fresh food in closer proximity to those living in urban areas. Through vertical farms, crops are not limited by environment or season, which allows crops to be grown in urban areas year round. The USDA supports urban agriculture to improve food security through food safety management software, rural cooperative grants, child nutrition programs and research services.
Reducing Food Miles
Sustainability is on the minds of farmers, ranchers, producers and agriculture experts worldwide. Food waste accounts for 30-40 percent of the food supply and is a concern within the industry. While many factors contribute to food waste, one is food waste that occurs because of the need to transport food long distances. Growing food in urban areas has the potential to significantly reduce food waste because the need for transportation is significantly reduced. In addition to reducing food waste, urban agriculture reduces the overall “food miles,” thus reducing the carbon footprint, and consumes less energy and natural resources.
Improving Community Health
Community nutrition programs as well as agricultural education are a part of urban agriculture programs. Nonprofits like Harlem Grown educate and mentor youth through hands-on participation in urban farming. Through urban farms, citizens can learn about the food they are growing and share their knowledge with others, which fosters healthier eating habits. Urban gardens also provide a place for physical activity, social interaction and stress reduction by being in a green environment. Improving community health is the overarching theme of urban agriculture as it seeks to feed communities and improve livelihoods.
Final Thoughts
As agriculture experts and the farming industry face many challenges in feeding the growing world, urban agriculture offers hope to communities. While urban agriculture is not the only answer to solving food insecurity, reducing food miles and improving community health, it has the potential to make a significant impact. The USDA is investing $7.4 million in urban agriculture production efforts, which shows their support for increased food production in economically distressed communities. Ultimately, urban agriculture plays an important role in feeding the world, as well as improving sustainability and empowering others to live healthier lives.