Coop to Garden, City to Country: Next-Gen Farming On The Rise
‘Urban’, ‘homestead’, or ‘backyard’ farming (growing food in city spaces, whether it’s on rooftops, balconies, community green spaces, backyards, or even indoors), has blossomed into mainstream popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and even more so in recent months, particularly amongst a new, younger subset of consumers.
Once seen as a niche hobby only possible for those with significant property and investment of their own, urban farming has now become a practical solution for those looking to save money, eat better, engage with community and contribute to a more sustainable food economy. Whether it’s a suburban family home with backyard chickens or an 11th floor downtown studio apartment with some extra counter space for veggies, the idea and appeal of self-grown sustenance speaks to most of us humans.
And we listen. In fact, urban agriculture contributes 15 to 20 percent of the global food supply, according to the USDA.
But why is it trending again now?
Greener for the Wallet
In many cases, the public’s increased interest in urban farming has been a response to rising costs of living, including rising grocery prices. With inflation and unpredictable trade regulations pushing grocery bills higher (in the case of fresh eggs, 30% higher), many urbanites and other households are finding creative ways to take control of their food sources, like egg-laying hens, vertical and hydroponic fruit and vegetable setups and community gardens, to reduce the strain on their budget and foster a greater connection to the food they eat.
As popularity has grown during and after the pandemic with social media, the cost of starting a homestead farm has also become much less of a barrier, with a plethora of affordable gardening tools and planter options accessible on the market for a new socioeconomic demographic.
But the economic benefits of urban farming extend beyond the individual household. As consumers grow more of their own food, the demand for locally grown produce increases, which in turn supports local economies. A report from the USDA highlighted that the growth of urban farming has led to a rise in the number of small-scale farms, particularly in areas with limited access to fresh, affordable produce.
For many low-income urban communities, urban farming provides a solution to food deserts—areas where access to fresh food is limited. Community gardens and urban farms are popping up in these neighborhoods, providing not only fresh food but also job opportunities and educational resources for residents.
Building a Sustainable Food Economy
While the financial benefits of urban farming are clear, the environmental advantages are even more compelling. By growing food locally, urban farms significantly reduce the need for cross-country and cross-continent shipping. In fact, the average meal in the U.S. travels over 1,500 miles from farm to table. Urban farming eliminates this transportation distance, reducing the carbon footprint associated with the food supply chain.
Another key environmental benefit is the reduction in pesticide use. Conventional farming can often rely on harmful pesticides and chemicals to protect crops, which can pollute water sources, harm wildlife, and degrade soil health. City dwellers are more likely to embrace natural methods of pest control for their own foods and can closely monitor the health of their crops without the need for harmful chemicals.
In addition to growing their own food, many urban farmers are taking the extra step to compost their biodegradable waste, using biodegradable planter pots, propagation containers and other supplies to further reduce their environmental footprint. For those with easy access to an outdoor area, composting can be a game-changer for both reducing waste and improving garden soil quality.
And So, It Grows
As grocery prices continue to climb, urban farming will only continue to provide a simple way for urbanites to save money while also improving their health and well-being. From rooftop gardens to countertop hydroponic systems, urban farming offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution to the problem of expensive food.
The environmental benefits, from reducing food miles to minimizing pesticide use and the role of composting, make it a crucial tool for building a more sustainable and resilient food system.
In today’s economy, urban farming is no longer just a pastime; it’s a practical and eco-friendly strategy to thrive in an unpredictable world.
Whether you’re just getting started or already have your homesetup in motion, be sure to check out our biodegradable planter pots and egg cartons here!
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Urban Farming Setup Resources
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