After our Skype lecture last week, I started wondering how effective urban farming could be? The current trend for most, if not all, large urban areas is to import foods from out side it's limits. Since the majority of the human population is now located in these urban centers, it seems backward that we need to truck everything in, and it only makes sense to try and implement urban farming systems, epesically with a growing population projected to reach 9 billion.
In addition to feeding the growing masses, there are many other benefits that urban farming can provide. To start with, many urban farming systems utilize organic methods which means less inputs from synthetic chemicals; organic systems produce healthier soils and waters savings as well. I think one of the most important details that urban farming brings is education and an understanding to the urban public about where their food really comes from and how it is produced. It could also help people better appreciate nature, bring relaxation into their lives, and green up our cities.
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/photos/urban-farming/#/earth-day-urban-farming-venezuela_51635_600x450.jpg
That Skype lecture got me thinking about urban agriculture as well. I think cities growing their own food will also help reduce waste. Once people start growing, they will realize what it takes to garden and they will value the fruits of their labor more. Canning will probably become more popular.
ReplyDeleteI liked the lecture as well. There is nothing more rewarding than growing your own food. I feel that one of the most prevalent issues with urban gardening would be soil and water quality. In large industrial cities, I would definitely be concerned that my plants wouldn't grow or they would be taking up dangerous toxins within the soil. Did the article mention ways to combat this issue?
ReplyDeleteI really like your mention of how it could help city dwellers better appreciate nature and green up our cities, urban agriculture could really have some astestic as well as sustainability value to cities. I have listened to a couple lectures on the subject area and I think urban farming is important to start implementing on a greater scale in cities across the nation. I don't think a city would ever be able to supply all their own food and stop shipping in outside food sources but it is a step in the right direction and could decrease the gas used through transportation.
ReplyDeleteI think its great that urban farming can benefit people in ways other than fresh, locally grown foods. I would love to live in a city that has a urban agricultural community. I feel that it would add to the culture of the town and improve it by making it more sustainable, as well as healthy. Studies show that local foods have a healthier impact, which would be great in a time where foods are being pumped with GMO's without us even realizing it. Organic farming is typically the best for the environment, as well as the food and the people, so for it to be taking place in urban areas is great, especially with a growing population. Corn and grain being fed to animals for human consumption is inefficient, and new methods are going to have to be practiced if we want to feed the world.
ReplyDeleteI feel that one of the most important aspects of urban farming is the education and health benefits that it brings to communities. As Americans living in urban settings we have a disconnect from where our food comes from. We take our grocery stores for granted and don't realize the work or the resources it takes to produce all that food. If we are to create sustainable communities in the future people must know the true price of the goods they are buying. Also when you grow your own food, your much more likely to eat your veggies after all that hard work you put into growing them!
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