Urban areas are increasingly embracing sustainable farming practices, especially through the lens of urban farming. This innovative approach not only promotes environmental sustainability but also revitalizes urban landscapes by integrating agriculture into city life. Urban farming transforms rooftops, vacant lots, and vertical spaces into productive green zones, helping to mitigate urban food deserts and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.
As cities grow and space becomes more limited, urban farming provides a practical solution to several pressing issues. It offers fresh produce to city dwellers, fosters community engagement, and supports local economies. This comprehensive guide delves into the various facets of sustainable and urban farming, exploring its benefits, challenges, and future potential.
What is Sustainable Farming?
Sustainable farming is an agricultural approach that seeks to produce food in a way that preserves the environment, supports animal welfare, and promotes social and economic equity. Unlike conventional farming, which often relies on chemical inputs and intensive resource use, sustainable farming employs practices that maintain soil health, conserve water, and reduce pollution.
By adhering to these principles, sustainable farming aims to create a resilient agricultural system that can withstand environmental challenges and support future generations.
For a deeper dive into sustainable farming practices, check out Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE).
Farmers’ Perspectives of Sustainable Farming Practices
Farmers' views on sustainable farming are multifaceted, reflecting their diverse roles and responsibilities. Studies conducted in England and Wales highlighted that many farmers have a genuine concern for the environment and a desire to adopt sustainable practices. However, these aspirations often conflict with the profitability aspects of farming, leading some farmers to continue environmentally detrimental practices to maximize yield. Misconceptions persist, with many farmers underestimating their environmental footprint; for example, 68% of farmers did not recognize their activities as harmful to the environment, indicating a significant gap in their understanding of their impact.
A study from Denmark further emphasize that the challenges in adopting sustainable practices include high initial costs, the need for specialized knowledge, market uncertainties, and complex regulations. These barriers are compounded by the varying abilities and willingness among farmers to adopt sustainable methods, influenced by factors such as farm type, size, income, education, and individual values.
The articles collectively underscore the need for more effective approaches to facilitate the integration of sustainable practices. Education, particularly one-to-one farming advice, is highlighted as crucial.
The Rise of Urban Farming
Urban farming is not a new concept; it has roots that trace back to ancient civilizations. Historically, urban residents grew their own food in small garden plots or community gardens. However, with industrialization and urbanization, these practices diminished. Recently, there has been a resurgence in urban farming as people seek to reconnect with their food sources and address the challenges posed by modern agriculture.
Reasons for the Growing Interest: Several factors contribute to the rising interest in urban farming. It helps mitigate food insecurity by providing local access to fresh produce. It addresses environmental concerns by reducing the carbon footprint of food transportation and promoting green spaces in urban areas. Health and nutrition improve with increased access to fresh, nutritious food options. Furthermore, socially, it strengthens community ties and resilience, as communal farming spaces encourage collaboration and interaction among residents.
Benefits of Urban Farming: Urban farming offers a wide range of environmental, economic, and social benefits, enhancing the sustainability and liveability of cities.
Environmentally, producing food locally helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions from long-distance transportation and improves urban air quality through plants that absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Urban farms also enhance biodiversity by creating habitats for various species within city landscapes.
Economically, urban farming generates jobs through the establishment and maintenance of farms. Selling locally grown produce supports local economies, keeps money within the community, and provides fresh produce directly to consumers. It improves food accessibility, particularly in areas with limited grocery stores, and offers educational programs about agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. These programs foster greater awareness and engagement with environmental issues.
Public Perception of Urban Farming
Urban farming is gaining positive attention for transforming city spaces and providing fresh, locally grown food. According to the DW Documentary "Copenhagen - The World’s Greenest Capital City?", residents appreciate its aesthetic and practical benefits. Urban farming enhances green spaces, promotes environmental awareness, and strengthens community bonds. These initiatives supply fresh produce, support ecological health, and foster social connections, showcasing the transformative impact of integrating agriculture into urban life.
Monocle Films highlights the positive public perception of colony gardens in Denmark, promoting community interaction, offering relaxation spaces, and providing urban gardening opportunities. These gardens enhance mental well-being, foster community spirit, and balance urban living with nature, contributing to a healthier city lifestyle.
ØsterGRO
ØsterGRO stands as a shining example of an urban farm that integrates sustainable practices into city life. During my visit to the farm, I had the privilege of engaging in a fascinating conversation with Nanna, the farm manager, where we discussed the key aspects of their innovative approach to urban farming. Here are some of the main questions and answers I wanted to highlight from our discussion:
Q: How important are volunteers to ØsterGRO, and what has been your experience with community engagement?
A: Volunteers are essential to the success and sustainability of ØsterGRO. They contribute significantly to the operations of the farm, from planting and harvesting to maintaining the rooftop garden. Every Tuesday, volunteers come together to help on the farm, and in return, they are treated to a communal meal made from the fresh produce they’ve helped cultivate. This experience not only strengthens community bonds but also expands the volunteers' knowledge and appreciation for seasonal, locally grown food.
If volunteers continuously join, they become part of the season and can follow the lifecycle of the crops, witnessing firsthand how everything grows and develops. Sharing a meal after a day of hard work fosters a sense of camaraderie and connection, making the volunteers feel valued and integral to the farm’s mission. The communal lunch is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity for volunteers to see the direct results of their labour and to learn creative ways to prepare and enjoy fresh vegetables. This hands-on experience enriches their understanding of sustainable farming practices and reinforces the importance of local food systems.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as an urban farm, particularly in terms of sustainability?
A: One of the biggest challenges is balancing the sustainability goals with economic viability. Green spaces like ours aren't profitable on their own, so we've integrated a restaurant that helps support the farm financially. Another challenge is working with the limited space and resources available in an urban setting, which requires creative solutions for growing and maintaining our crops.
Q: How does ØsterGRO incorporate the principles of sustainable farming into its operations?
A: While we cannot obtain organic certification due to our rooftop location, we follow sustainable farming practices, to ensure soil health and water conservation. We are still using the same soil delivered in 2014. Instead of ploughing, which can harm soil microorganisms by burying them, we aerate the soil with a fork. We use co-planting and intercropping practices to enhance soil fertility and manage pests naturally, without chemical interventions. Additionally, our chickens play a vital role by feeding on garden weeds and providing manure that enriches the soil.
Water conservation is another critical aspect of our sustainability efforts. We utilize drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing water waste and ensuring efficient use of this vital resource. Rainwater harvesting systems are in place to collect and store rainwater from the small building roofs, which is then used for irrigation purposes. Unfortunately, this option is limited, since the rooftop can only bear a limited amount of weight, in combination with the soil and farm.
Our greenhouse is essential for seed germination and extending the growing season. By starting our plants in the greenhouse, we ensure they are healthy and robust before transplanting them to the rooftop beds, increasing their resilience and productivity.
Visiting the farm was a delightful experience, providing a firsthand look at how urban farming can transform city living.
My last message to take home with you: Listening to Nanna speak so passionately about incorporating regenerative farming practices, I felt a sense of reassurance and hope for the future. Her dedication highlights the critical importance of sustainable farming practices to preserve the health of our soil. Sustainable farming is not just about growing food; it's about nurturing the very foundation that supports all life. Healthy soil is essential for clean water, biodiversity, and resilient ecosystems. By embracing and promoting sustainable farming, we ensure that our soil remains fertile and productive, securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
Additional reading
Alexanderson, M. S., Luke, H., & Lloyd, D. J. (2023). Regenerative farming as climate action. Journal of Environmental Management, 347, 119063. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119063
Ali, M. S., Zaman, N. B. K., & Othman, N. M. I. (2022). Urban farming: Strategy to strengthen food security. Majmuah Enterprise, Vol.1., 42–48. https://majmuah.com/journal/index.php/konsep/article/download/148/91
Denmark agrees carbon tax on agriculture. (n.d.). Retrieved July 14, 2024, from https://www.britishagriculturebureau.co.uk/updates-and-information/denmark-agrees-carbon-tax-on-agriculture/
Nordborg, M. (2016). Holistic management– a critical review of Allan Savory’s grazing method. : SLU/EPOK – Centre for Organic Food & Farming & Chalmers. https://publications.lib.chalmers.se/records/fulltext/244566/local_244566.pdf
Prag, A. A., & Henriksen, C. B. (2020). Transition from Animal-Based to Plant-Based Food Production to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture—The Case of Denmark. Sustainability, 12(19), Article 19. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12198228
Woods, B. A., Nielsen, H. Ø., Pedersen, A. B., & Kristofersson, D. (2017). Farmers’ perceptions of climate change and their likely responses in Danish agriculture. Land Use Policy, 65, 109–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2017.04.007