Urban farming has the potential to empower cities and communities all over the globe. From backyard farms to community gardens to vertical farming, the possibilities of growing sustainable foods are endless. As more and more urban areas start to implement local farms in their areas, the communities will reel in a wide range of benefits. In this article, we’re going to cover some of the major benefits that communities will experience when using urban farming.
Provides Educational Opportunities
As a society, we are disconnected from our foods; we don’t know where the foods we eat come from. Urban farming will not only teach communities how to grow their own foods, but also will establish a clear understanding of current food systems. This is an incredible learning tool for families to adopt into their livelihood because it will empower them to spread the word to others about the world-changing benefits of urban farming.
Offers Food Security
One of the most reassuring aspects of urban farming is that it bridges the gap of food access. Many densely populated cities are hundreds of miles away from conventional farming areas. With urban farming, these cities will have direct access to food sources in their area. This also allows for reduced food prices since no travel is needed to get the crops from one place to another.
Increases Food Quality
With the ability to have local farms, members will be able to grow a wide variety of foods that aren’t usually seen in supermarkets. Growing heirloom crops or foods with a lower shelf life can’t be done with conventional farming because they won’t last the travel time. Urban farming solves this issue by allowing the community to plant and harvest foods of their own choices without having to worry about shelf life. This allows communities to enjoy fresh, nutritious foods that they may have never seen in a supermarket before.
Creates Job Opportunities
The growth of urban farming will increase the need for community members to get involved, thus creating jobs that directly benefit the city itself. Urban cities tend to have higher cases of poverty and hunger. By establishing local urban farms in cities, more people will be able to get jobs and to learn about how to grow their own food back at home. This will stimulate the local economy and provide an educational outlet to the community.
Reduces Carbon Emissions
With local farms on the rise, there will be less of a need to transport foods to cities. Urban farming will help cut down on the immense amount of fossil fuels that’s needed to transport food from one place to another. This is a great opportunity to reduce a carbon footprint while also empowering communities to grow their own local food sources.
Cities across the nation are beginning to see the value in urban farming, and some have even implemented their own farming systems. We at the Nick Greens Grow team understand the importance of urban cities having direct access to their own food sources. Want to learn more about the future of farming? Subscribe to our blog for weekly updates and to our YouTube channel to learn about educational farming techniques.