From community gardens to indoor vertical farms, urban agriculture provides critical access to healthy food for local communities, as well as jobs, green spaces, and closer community ties. Urban agriculture includes the cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products in urban and suburban areas. Community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic and aquaponic facilities, and vertical production, are all examples of urban agriculture. Tribal communities and small towns may also be included.
Urban agriculture does not have to be strictly in an “urban” or city setting like downtown Providence; small farms and suburban farmers and growers also are eligible to participate in urban agriculture programs with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) .
From the Ground Up
Running an urban farm comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and NRCS helps farmers care for the natural resources on their land – soil, water, air, plants, and animals.
NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to growers in:
Soil Health – As experts in soil health, NRCS conservationists can advise urban growers on what cover crops to grow, using farmers’ soil tests and our soil surveys.
Irrigation and Water Conservation – We can help urban growers conserve water by helping with things like drip irrigation.
Weeds and Pests – We can help with pest and weed management by planting buffers for beneficial insects, through mulching, using cover crops and other practices.
High Tunnels – NRCS can provide financial assistance for high tunnels, used to extend the growing season and to protect plants from harsh weather, air pollution and pests. By making local produce available for more months in the year, fewer resources are used to transport food to plates.
Source: usda.gov
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: Ohio, Business, Crops