8 Benefits of Urban Farms

Photo by Dan Roizer on Unsplash

Cities have the space for them but these empty or underutilized lots have to compete with wave after wave of gentrification. We are always building up and “upgrading” our communities with new luxury buildings yet we never actually invest in ways to support the communities that are already there. Green space, walkable space, community gardens, urban farms, etc. can all improve the lives of those in these urban settings BEFORE the gentrifcation comes. Here are some benefits of urban farms:

1. Environmental sustainability: Organic farming practices prioritize the health of the soil and ecosystem, which helps to preserve biodiversity and protect against soil erosion and water pollution.
2. Human health: Organic produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can be harmful to human health.
3. Community building: Urban farms provide a sense of community and belonging as people come together to cultivate and tend to the land.
4. Access to fresh, nutritious produce: Urban farms provide a source of fresh, nutritious produce in areas that may have limited access to such items. Millions of people in the US live in food deserts and live food insecure. These can help combat that.
5. Education: Urban farms can serve as educational spaces, teaching people about organic farming practices and the…