The benefits of urban farming don't stop at providing a steady supply of food to people and their neighborhoods. In fact, urban agriculture contributes to the overall economic growth of communities all over the world.
Read on to know why many urban dwellers are switching to urban farming nowadays. I have here 7 notable benefits of urban farming. You'll be surprised by all the things it can offer!
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Benefits of Urban Farming to the World You Need to Know
1. Provides a Steady Supply of Healthy & Locally-Grown Food
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Fresh and nutritious food are now more accessible to people in cities through urban farming. Many families in urban areas are now able to enjoy unlimited varieties of healthy food without splurging on export taxes.
Through local markets, fresh produce, such as green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, sweet fruits, fresh herbs, and poultry meats are sold to residents at more affordable prices.
Most urban gardens produce everyday vegetables such as lettuce, green pepper, beans, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, kale, spinach, among others!
This means more healthy home-cooked meals for the family since everything you need is within reach.
2. Decreases Unemployment Rate
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Urban farming provides more job opportunities for many people. Like the corporate world, urban agriculture requires skilled individuals to achieve maximum productivity.
Job opportunities are awarded to people with the right skills and interests. This is a win-win situation for the community and its residents.
Urban farming works its magic of changing people's lives. It creates jobs for a big chunk of their population. In most cases, jobs are given to less fortunate families in the community and its neighboring cities.
Furthermore, people make profitable businesses to help them sustain their lifestyles.
3. Conserves & Maximizes Space
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Urban farming amplifies limited spaces by using incredible methods like vertical farming. These innovative systems use every available space, whether it be public or private.
Moreover, urban farming involves anything from balcony gardening to rooftop greenhouses. You can also farm in the garage and in any extra room in the house.
Even if your place is quite small, you'll soon realize its potential food production capacity can be as massive as traditional farming.
One good example is Vertical Harvest. They're one of the world’s first and largest commercial vertical farms. The whole operation sits on 1/10 of an acre and grows the amount of produce that traditional farming raises in a 5 acre ground.
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4. Improves the Local Economy
Economic transactions are also starting to take place more often. These create more work for people and more income for local businesses.
For example, many food establishments are embracing the idea of purchasing locally-sourced products. For one, it provides them with fresher and healthier food. They also gain direct contact with urban farmers and producers for better deals and business transactions.
Demand for local food will also increase – creating more opportunities within the community. And more local economic activities will keep profit circulating within the community.
5. Builds a More Sustainable World
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Many people are moving from rural areas to the cities. With this trend, more foods from farms also have to travel far before they get into people's plates.
Besides, traditional farms need more energy and money. And this is where urban gardening extends its help.
Locally-grown food requires less transportation which reduces our ecological footprint. And by localizing produce, we are reducing carbon emission and fossil fuel consumption.
Urban farming is revitalizing the economic growth of a community. At the same time, it also builds a greener future for everyone.
In a nutshell, urban agriculture is helping not only the community, but also the entire world to reduce their “foodprint.”
6. Introduces Innovation
Urban farming teaches people to be more creative. It helps them unleash their critical thinking skills and find better ways of producing more food in limited gardening space.
It's a fact that cities are not designed for traditional farming. And now urban farmers are pioneering new ways to deal with limited space. Ultimately, urban farming is transforming the food system around the globe.
One example is The Green Machine Mobile Food Market. It's a mobile fruit and vegetable market for neighborhoods with limited access in Memphis, TN.
In a similar case, The Growing Underground sustainably grows fresh microgreens. The amazing part is they do it 33 meters below the busy streets of Clapham in London.
They use the latest hydroponic systems and LED technology to transform dormant tunnels into a pesticide-free environment for their crops.
These two examples use different methods, but both are inspiring urban agriculture projects. They innovate to make food more accessible to people in their community.
7. Builds a Solid Community
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Lastly, urban agriculture brings together a diverse community through a common interest. Not only does urban farming make food accessible to people, it also gets them engaged in growing their own food.
This way, they develop a deeper connection to agriculture. In addition, most urban agriculture projects need social organizations for many individuals to meet people with the same interest.
It creates real connections between citizens, children and adults alike.
Watch this video by The B1M on how vertical farming works:
It is important to let people know about the benefits of urban farming in our lives. It is a relevant movement that enlightens us on the true meaning of the city ecosystem.
Imagine a garden of fresh leafy vegetables and herbs instead of grass. Add that to an aquarium of edible fishes instead of goldfish and guppies. That is urban farming!
What is your favorite thing about urban farming? Let us know in the comments section below.
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