Rising Popularity of Urban Agriculture The Rise of Urban Agriculture
credit: kibsri/freedigitalphotos.net Considering the amazing resources available to individuals who want to live a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, it is probably safe to say we are seeing early indications of a significant shift in popular ideology. The back-to-the-land movement is not new, but the degree of accessibility in urban agriculture is a recent development. It is impossible for everyone to move outside of city limits and start farming. There is not enough arable land, not to mention most of us are reluctant to leave certain city amenities behind. Urban agriculture is growing in popularity because it offers more flexibility than the traditional back-to-the-land model. As a result of the application of new technology in agriculture, the opportunity to reform and improve food production is available to anyone with a decent work ethic. If this sounds too optimistic and phrases like “starting capital” and “time commitment” are on the tip of your tongue, think of the ways that urban agriculture circumvents issues faced by people who want to start a business.
Initial Investment
A green wall at Tagawa Gardens in Denver, CO. This is a roadblock that discourages many would-be entrepreneurs. We all know money is tight and it is too terrifying to risk your life savings on a venture that may or may not succeed. ZipGrowTM Towers allow those who are risk averse to start small and expand easily when they feel comfortable with their set up and confident in their market. A green wall is a great way to get accustomed to the maintenance of a system without having to buy property and shoulder huge overhead costs, plus you can enjoy great produce and sell any surplus to friends and neighbours while testing the waters.
Time It is becoming more common for people to hold two or more jobs in order to get by. Between work, family and the persistent hope that we might get to have a social life or take up a hobby, who has time for more projects? I won’t say that there isn’t a time commitment, but urban agriculture has grown out of the necessity for sustainable options. Because many city farms are run on limited resources, the various approaches (aquaponics, hydroponics, square foot roof gardens and others) have evolved into efficient systems that make the most of everything, including time.
For city dwellers who want to:
eat better food buy locally produced goods start a business make the most of your resources and the earth’s enjoy food security that doesn’t require stockpiling canned green beans benefit from working with plants contribute to community improvement inspire future generations
There are abundant opportunities in urban agriculture. We are planning to provide more detailed information about each of these topics in the future, so keep an eye out for good things to come. For more information, visit Verticalfoodblog.Com