As populations continue to grow around the world, people are congregating in urban cities. The corporate food industry is simultaneously faltering due to sustainability and supply chain issues. These circumstances are combining to exacerbate food insecurity issues in minority based low-income communities that lack access to resources and have worsening health problems. These communities need sustainable food options that can be locally sourced and training programs that allow them to grow their own nutritious foods that can also be sold for profit. Because of the impact of food injustices on race and class, food needs to be produced and distributed in accessible and affordable ways for the growing urban poor. This fact is at the heart of the rationale for urban farming techniques that, through sustainability and proximity, provide clear paths for impoverished communities of urban cities to be provided with, and to have the capability to, grow their own healthy food based on their sovereignty. Urban agriculture is being explored through the lens of community need, political policy making, and feasibility. In the current state of scholarship there are academics who have researched the history of systemic oppression in American capitalist regulation and inherit racial prejudice. Local city governments have concerns about the feasibility and application of urban farming systems. Commercial developers need to be convinced of the profitability of partnership with urban growers so their buildings can be utilized for crop growth that can be sold at farmers markets, grocery stores, and in community supported agriculture.

Authors:
Gregory Crawford, Southern Methodist University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Gregory Crawford is a University Doctoral Student at Southern Methodist University in United States

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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