OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION URBAN AGRICULTURE: Can American Cities Feed Themselves?

Transcription

1 URBAN AGRICULTURE: Can American Cities Feed Themselves? Franklin County Master Gardener Volunteer Training January 29, 2016 Mike Hogan Extension Educator & Associate Professor Ohio State University Extension Franklin County

2 Objectives What is urban agriculture? Why is it growing? What impact will it have? Time for discussion 2

3 What is Urban Agriculture? 3

4 What is Urban Agriculture? Cities and food production began about the same time in the fertile crescent 10,000 years ago Some cities in other countries produce a lot of food, i.e., Cuba and Asia Estimates are that 15% of all food in US is produced in metro area, perhaps not in urban core 4

5 What is Urban Agriculture? Urban agriculture is not the most efficient production system Benefits come from difference in transportation and marketing Many other benefits 5

6 What is Urban Agriculture? Home gardens (yardens) Community gardens Urban farms Aquaculture or aquaponics 6

7 Comes in all shapes and sizes 7

8 Comes in all shapes and sizes 8

9 Trends Contributing to Growth of Urban Agriculture Population shifts Vacant land in postindustrial cities Food security Access to fresh foods 9

10 Where do you shop for food? 10

11 Many Urban Areas are Food Deserts 11

12 Many Urban Areas are also Food Swamps! 12

13 Access to Fresh Food is also an Issue in Urban Areas 13

14 Trends Contributing to Growth of Urban Agriculture Locavores! Growth of CSA s Explosive growth of farmers markets Farm to School Institutional buying Direct marketing by farmers 14

15 Trends Contributing to Growth of Urban Agriculture Foodie culture Interest in provenance Interest in knowing the farmer Concerns related to obesity and inactivity Food safety concerns 15

16 Benefits of Urban Agriculture Food security increases Food access increases Creates an oasis in food deserts and an island in food swamps 16

17 Benefits of Urban Agriculture Promotes physical activity Reduces obesity rate 17

18 Benefits of Urban Agriculture 18

19 Benefits of Urban Agriculture Additional green space: Reduces urban heat island effect Sequesters additional carbon Reduces storm water runoff 19

20 Storm Water Management 20

21 Diverts organic waste from landfill Recycles nutrients and reduces synthetic fertilizer use Reduces insect breeding areas 21

22 Promotes sense of community Decreases crime Raises property values Reduces cost of community services 22

23 23

24 Repurposes vacant land Provides jobs and improves economy Develops entrepreneurs Source of vocational training 24

25 Benefits of Urban Agriculture 25

26 Benefits of Urban Agriculture Human and Community Dimension: Reconnects people to their neighbors Reconnects urban residents to nature and cycles of environment Gives people an ecological perspective and understanding of climate change, resource depletion, and other environmental issues 26

27 Benefits of Urban Agriculture 27

28 Benefits of Urban Agriculture 28

29 Concerns Wildlife and rodents OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION 29

30 Which Conditions Attract Wildlife and Rodents? 30

31 Concerns Wildlife and rodents Food safety Soil contamination Good neighbor issues 31

32 32

33 Concerns Potable water Offsite movement of nutrients or contaminants Educational needs of new producers Others?? 33

34 Barriers to Growth of Urban Agriculture Zoning and local ordinances Public policy Research on production topics 34

35 35

36 The Future Agriculture can be a tool to redevelop urban areas and develop local economies. 36

37 37

38 Is Urban Agriculture Viable? Research shows that 80% of the vacant land in Cleveland could produce: 50% of fruits and vegetables 25% of poultry and eggs 100% of honey 38

39 The Culture of Agriculture 39

40 Summary Urban agriculture is growing in Ohio Urban agriculture can have positive impacts on: Economy Environment Human health Community 40

41 For More Information 41

42 Questions?? 42