Planting the Seed: How Urban Agriculture Grows a Stronger Community

Abstract

Urbanization, food miles, and food deserts are all factors that call for a reconstruction of the way we think about food. This report examines three potential methods of urban agriculture that can be used to create a more dynamic food system. This is done first through a literature review that examines three main concerns of urban agriculture: the benefits to the community, lack of space, and need for government involvement. Each method is then explored through a case study. Peri-urban agriculture is looked at in the Greater Melbourne area. Traditional agriculture is examined through Seattle’s P- Patch system of community gardens. Finally, innovative urban agriculture is seen in New York’s collection of controlled environment farms.