Study Offers Framework for Scaling Up Urban Agriculture

A team of scientists led by University of Florida researchers published a study in the journal Nature Food that explored the potential and benefits of scaling up urban agriculture. The team first considered existing research on urban agriculture to identify individual, community, and social factors involved. The study identified potential benefits of urban agriculture as increased food supply, improved water quality, decreased carbon footprint, dietary health benefits, and mitigation of climate change. Meanwhile, potential risks included increased disease and pest risk for crops, exposure to soil contamination, and environmental pollution from agricultural practices. Then, the team developed a three-phase pathway for scaling up urban agriculture, based on real-world examples. The framework begins with expanding interest in food production, then moves to engaging stakeholders. Phase three of the framework is based on improving the economic viability of urban agriculture by providing tools and incentives toward its full-scale development.
Related ATTRA topic area: Urban Agriculture