Urban Agriculture

What is Urban Agriculture?

Urban Agriculture is defined as food production in and around urban areas, encompassing the cultivation, processing, and ensuing distribution of food. It can take numerous forms, ranging from community gardens to those on roof-tops or in backyards, and includes a wide range of production practices such as animal husbandry, cut-flower production, horticulture, aquaculture, and beekeeping, among others.

As urban agriculture continues to grow, it is critical to understand its importance and the numerous social, health, and environmental benefits that it provides. Specifically, not only does urban agriculture enhance productivity and efficiency on a per foot basis, but it is often considerably more sustainable in terms of water and space usage. In addition, it is a key component in the alleviation of issues associated with urban growth and food insecurity, providing greater accessibility of nutritious foods to urban populations.