According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over half of the American population lives in cities. Urban Farming is a revolutionary re-examination of agriculture, land use, community, and food security that focuses on bringing farms to the city. Produce-supporting gardens are popping up on rooftops, unused plots of land and abandoned buildings all over U.S. cities. As micro-agriculture techniques and technology develop, urban farming will only become an increasingly normative part of city-life.

3 Benefits of Urban Farming

1. Increased Food Security

Food security is all about access to affordable, healthy food. Urban populations aren't particularly well-known for always providing equal access to this type of food--In Chicago, over half a million people live in "food deserts". However, urban farming can increase food security by giving city-dwellers local access to fresh, nutritious food.

2. Strengthens Community

Urban farming requires a type of social organization that engenders closer community bonds. It encourages neighborhood goal-oriented interaction and productivity. Whereas urban areas can sometimes feel isolating, urban farming can make for a tighter-knit community.

3. Creates a Mixed-Land Use Landscape

Urban farming makes for diverse and productive use of a small amount of land and disrupts single-land use neighborhoods. This addition of green space to the urban landscape not only stimulates an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere but also can increase property value for the neighborhood.

Want to earn more about urban farming? Check out this website.