An Introduction to Urban Farming, from Types and Benefits to Strategies and Regulations
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Urban Agriculture
GSDR 2015 Brief Urban Agriculture By Ibrahim Game and Richaela Primus, State University of New York College of Forestry and Environmental Science Related Sustainable Development Goals Goal 01 End poverty in all its forms everywhere (1.1, 1.4, 1.5 ) Goal 02 End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture (2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.c) Goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns (12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4,12.5, 12.7, 12.8) Goal 15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss (15.9 ) *The views and opinions expressed are the authors’ and do not represent those of the Secretariat of the United Nations. Online publication or dissemination does not imply endorsement by the United Nations. Authors can be reached at [email protected] and [email protected]. Introduction Examples of UEA include community gardens, vegetable gardens and rooftop farms, which exist Urban Agriculture (UA) and peri-urban agriculture can worldwide and are playing important roles in the urban be defined as the growing, processing, and distribution food systems. 17 CEA includes any form of agriculture of food and other products through plant cultivation where environmental conditions (such as, light, and seldom raising livestock in and around cities for temperature, humidity, radiation and nutrient cycling) 1 2 feeding local populations. Over the last few years, are controlled in conjunction with urban architecture UA has increased in popularity due to concerns about or green infrastructure. -
U.S. V. Bayer AG and Monsanto Company Comment: the Sierra Club
ATTN: Kathleen S. O'Neill Chief, Transportation, Energy & Agriculture Section Antitrust Division United States Department of Justice 450 5th Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20530 Petition in opposition to proposed U.S. v. Bayer AG and Monsanto Company settlement and merger: A merger of agrochemical giants Bayer and Monsanto would create the world's largest seed and pesticide maker. I am afraid this move will reduce competition, raise prices for consumers and farmers, and result in an unacceptable degree of control over the agricultural industry and our food supply. I am very concerned about pollinators and the increased risks to bees, butterflies and birds with the increase of Bayer's neonicotinoids. Both companies produce corn products engineered to imply the use of harmful pesticides they manufacture. The production of corn uses high amounts of nitrogen- based fertilizers and the excess sediment is contaminating our waterways, therefore I am deeply worried about increased corn production from this merger. The heavy nutrient runoff from corn is widely attributed to exacerbating the marine "Dead Zone" in the Gulf of Mexico, in which algal blooms create hypoxic conditions wherein oxygen concentration is in such low levels that marine life suffocates and dies. I urge the Department of Justice to do more prevent the Bayer-Monsanto seed and pesticide platform from growing too strong by stopping this merger. If this merger is allowed, it should require more pesticide and seed divestments in order to protect our agriculture and food supply. This merger is anti-competition, if it is approved it will fail to protect farmers, consumers and the environment by allowing further consolidation of the industrial agriculture sector. -
Change Climate: How Permaculture Revives Exhausted Soils for Food Production by Davis Buyondo
Change Climate: How Permaculture Revives Exhausted Soils For Food Production By Davis Buyondo Kyotera-Uganda Wilson Ssenyondo, a resident of Kabaale village, is among a few farmers in Kasasa sub-county, Kyotera district, Uganda, who have managed to restore their fatigued land for sustainable food production. He has managed to revive nearly two acres of land on which he grows banana, cassava, vegetables-egg plants, cabbages, sukuma wiki, beans, and groundnuts to list few. He renewed the land through permaculture, a form of farming where you recycle very element that creates life in the soil. You can simply add compost manure after soil loosening in addition to environment-friendly practices such as consistent mulching and carbon farming. Kabaale A is one of the communities in the district with a long history of being hard-hit by persistent dry spells. In such a situation crops wither and a few existing water sources dry up. At some point, the livestock farmers are forced to trek long distances in search for water and pasture. Others communities that share the same plight include Kabaale B, Nakagongo, Kyamyungu, Kabano A and Kabano B, Sabina, Bubango and Sanje villages. They are characterised by scorched and hardened soils, while others by sandy and stony terrain in addition to the high rate of deforestation. Considering that state, one does not expect to find much farming in these communities. But as you approach the villages, you cannot help but marvel at the lush green gardens containing different crops. But amid all these pressing challenges, some crop and livestock farmers have learnt how to adapt and look for ways for survival. -
2 Changing Food Marketing Systems in Western Countries
Chapter2 2 Changing food marketing systems in western countries M.T.G. Meutenberg andJ. Viaene 2.1 Introduction Agricultural and food products have traditionally been marketed through institutionalized markets,suc h ascommodit y exchanges,auction s andwho lesale markets. Pricesar eth e centralcoordinatio n mechanismsi n such mar kets.However ,agricultura lan dfoo d markets havechange d drastically in the last few decades. Perhaps the most fundamental change is the shift from production to market orientation.I n ordert o establish astron g competitive position in their market, agricultural and food companies have to produce goods andservice s which match the wants and needs of consumers. In this contextth ecoordinatio n ofcompan ydecision si n thefoo d marketingsyste m has become extremely important. Consumer orientation, competitive strength and marketing efficiency are key words in agricultural and food marketing. In conjunction with this development, food marketing systems have become more diverse and moresophisticated . Thischapte ri sconcerne dwit h changesi nth efoo d marketing system,i n par ticular in the European Union (EU).First , aframewor k ofth e marketingsys tem is proposed in order to analyse marketing and markets of agricultural andfoo d products.Afterward s developmentsi n the environmento fth e food marketing system are reviewed. Subsequently structural developments in food marketing systems areanalysed .Attentio n will bepai dt o actorsi n the marketing channel, such as farmers, wholesalers, the food industry and retailers. Marketing strategies which have become important in the Europeanfoo d marketing systems arereviewed .Th echapte r endswit h some conclusions. 2.2 Thefoo d marketing system:a framewor k Direct marketing from farmer to consumer is the exception rather than the rulei n Westerncountries .Agricultura lmarketin g channels haveevolve dint o food marketing systems consisting of different actors, such asfarmer ,who lesaler, the food industry and retailer. -
Sustaining America's Urban Trees and Forests
United States Department of SSustainingustaining AAmerica’smerica’s Agriculture Forest Service UUrbanrban TTreesrees andand ForestsForests Northern Research Station State and Private Forestry General Technical DDavidavid J.J. NNowak,owak, SusanSusan M.M. Stein,Stein, PaulaPaula B.B. Randler,Randler, EricEric J.J. GreenGreenfi eeld,ld, Report NRS-62 SSaraara JJ.. CComas,omas, MMaryary AA.. CCarr,arr, aandnd RRalphalph J.J. AligAlig June 2010 A Forests on the Edge Report ABSTRACT Nowak, David J.; Stein, Susan M.; Randler, Paula B.; Greenfi eld, Eric J.; Comas, Sara J.; Carr, Mary A.; Alig, Ralph J. 2010. Sustaining America’s urban trees and forests: a Forests on the Edge report. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-62. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 27 p. Close to 80 percent of the U.S. population lives in urban areas and depends on the essential ecological, economic, and social benefi ts provided by urban trees and forests. However, the distribution of urban tree cover and the benefi ts of urban forests vary across the United States, as do the challenges of sustaining this important resource. As urban areas expand across the country, the importance of the benefi ts that urban forests provide, as well as the challenges to their conservation and maintenance, will increase. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the current status and benefi ts of America’s urban forests, compare differences in urban forest canopy cover among regions, and discuss challenges facing urban forests and their implications for urban forest management. Key Words: Urban forest, urbanization, land Lisa DeJong The Plain Dealer, Photo: AP management, ecosystem services Urban forests offer aesthetic values and critical services. -
Farmer's Income
This PDF is a selection from an out-of-print volume from the National Bureau of Economic Research Volume Title: Income in the United States, Its Amount and Distribution, 1909-1919, Volume II: Detailed Report Volume Author/Editor: Wesley Clair Mitchell, editor Volume Publisher: NBER Volume ISBN: 0-87014-001-9 Volume URL: http://www.nber.org/books/mitc22-1 Publication Date: 1922 Chapter Title: Farmer's Income Chapter Author: Oswald W. Knauth Chapter URL: http://www.nber.org/chapters/c9420 Chapter pages in book: (p. 298 - 313) CHAPTER 24 FA1tiiERS' INCOME § 24a Introduction The information concerning farmers' income is fragmentary, butsuffi- cient in volume to justify the hope of attaining a fairly accurateestimate. Before this estimate is presented certain peculiarities of farmers'incomes and of the data concerning themmust be mentioned. (1) There is no other industry in which non-monetary income makesso large a proportion of the total as in farming. Besides the rental valuesof the farm homes occupied by owners, we must count in the value ofthe food and fuel which farmers producefor their own consumption. (2) Usually the farmer is not onlya producer but also a land speculator. Indeed, it is rather.upon the increasein the value of his land than sale of his produce that the upon the farmer rests whatever hopehe cherishes of growing rich. How large the growth in landvalues is appears from the Censuses of 1900 and 1910, which report an increase inthe value of farm lands of $15 billion in addition to an increase of $5 billion in thevalue of farm buildings, machinery, and live stock.'Fifteen billions for all farms in ten years means an average annual increase in thevalue of each farm amounting to $323.In the decade covered byour estimates the average increase must have been muchlarger, because of thegreat rise in the prices of farm lands which culminated in 1920.? Whena farmer realizes a profit by selling his land atan enhanced price, that profit constitutes him as an individual. -
The Use of Pesticides in Developing Countries and Their Impact on Health and the Right to Food
STUDY Requested by the DEVE committee The use of pesticides in developing countries and their impact on health and the right to food Policy Department for External Relations Directorate General for External Policies of the Union EN PE 653.622 - January 2021 DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EXTERNAL POLICIES POLICY DEPARTMENT STUDY The use of pesticides in developing countries and their impact on health and the right to food ABSTRACT This study provides a broad perspective on the main trends regarding the use of pesticides in developing countries and their impacts on human health and food security. Information is provided on the challenges of controlling these hazardous substances, along with the extent to which pesticides banned within the European Union (EU) are exported to third countries. The analysis assesses the factors behind the continuation of these exports, along with the rising demand for better controls. Recommendations are intended to improve the ability for all people, including future generations, to have access to healthy food in line with United Nations declarations. These recommendations include collaborating with the Rotterdam Convention to strengthen capacity building programmes and the use of the knowledge base maintained by the Convention; supporting collaboration among developing countries to strengthen pesticide risk regulation; explore options to make regulatory risk data more transparent and accessible; strengthen research and education in alternatives to pesticides; stop all exports of crop protection products banned in the EU; only allow the export of severely restricted pesticides if these are regulated accordingly and used properly in the importing country; and support the re-evaluation of pesticide registrations in developing countries to be in line with FAO/WHO Code of Conduct. -
Aquaponics As an Emerging Production System for Sustainable Production
Horticulture International Journal Mini review Open Access Aquaponics as an emerging production system for sustainable production Abstract Volume 4 Issue 5 - 2020 With the increase in the consumption of vegetables due to the increase in the population Thaís da Silva Oliveira,1 Letícia Fernanda and the tendency to change the consumer’s eating habits, the demand for water in the 2 1 production process of these foods also grows, requiring the production systems more Baptiston, Jéssica Pacheco de Lima 1Aquaculture Center of University of São Paulo (CAUNESP), efficient in terms of space utilization and natural resources. Aquaponics has gained University of State of São Paulo, Brazil attention for being considered a sustainable system that uses the residues of the creation of 2College of zootechnics and food engineering (USP-FZEA), aquatic organisms for the cultivation of plants, thus having a water and nutrients recycling, University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil in addition to the possibility of having a vertical distribution, optimizing the space. This production system is very interesting due to the possibility of being implemented in homes, Correspondence: Thaís da Silva Oliveira, Aquaculture Center serving as a complement to a family’s diet, and the surplus can be sold in nearby markets, of University of São Paulo (Caunesp), Access Road Prof. Paulo contributing to the local microeconomics, in addition to issues involving human health and Donato Castellane, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil, nutrition, valuing local culture and environmental education. Following the Sustainable Tel (16)3209-7477, Email Development Goals (SDGs) established by the UN, this food production technique fits into the “Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture” objective, as it provides quality food, Received: August 27, 2020 | Published: September 28, 2020 closer to the consumer and produced with low inclusion of industrial fertilizers, in addition to recognized by FAO as a potential alternative to Smart Agriculture for the climate (Climate-smart agriculture-CSA). -
12Things You Need to Know to Garden Successfully with Aquaponics
12Things You Need to Know to Garden Successfully With Aquaponics CONTACT US [email protected] Website Blog Facebook Twitter Community YouTube Introduction Aquaponics is an exciting new way to grow your favorite fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants by combining the best of aquaculture and hydroponics to create a completely organic, sustainable and productive growing method. This method can be used both inside and out, it is dirt- free, weed-free, chemical-free, and it uses less than 1/10 the water needed by traditional, soil-based gardening. In aquaponic gardening water is pumped from the fish tank into a grow bed that is filled with an inert growing medium. The medium is home to colonies of beneficial bacteria and composting red worms. The bacteria converts the toxic ammonia from the fish waste first into nitrites then into nitrates, and the worms convert the solid waste into vermicomost. At this point the fish waste has become a near-perfect food for the plants. The plants now filter the water by absorbing the converted fish waste, making a healthier environement for the fish. This symbiotic relationship between the plants, fish, and bacteria / worms creates an environment where all the living elements thrive. This article is a guide to some of what you need to know to grow plants and fish successfully in a media-based aquaponic system. It is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather is a high level overview of some of the basic things you need to know in order to start an aquaponics system of your own. We will go into more depth on each of these subject in upcoming newsletters, so watch for them in your inbox! We are passionate about aquaponic gardening here at The Aquaponic Source™, and we hope that you will find a passion for aquaponic gardening gardening as well. -
Urban Agriculture: Long-Term Strategy Or Impossible Dream? Lessons from Prospect Farm in Brooklyn, New York
public health 129 (2015) 336e341 Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Public Health journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/puhe Original Research Urban agriculture: long-term strategy or impossible dream? Lessons from Prospect Farm in Brooklyn, New York * T. Angotti a,b, a Urban Affairs & Planning at Hunter College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, USA b Prospect Farm in Brooklyn, New York, USA article info abstract Article history: Proponents of urban agriculture have identified its potential to improve health and the Available online 25 February 2015 environment but in New York City and other densely developed and populated urban areas, it faces huge challenges because of the shortage of space, cost of land, and the lack Keywords: of contemporary local food production. However, large portions of the city and metro- Urban agriculture politan region do have open land and a history of agricultural production in the not-too- Land use policy distant past. Local food movements and concerns about food security have sparked a Community development growing interest in urban farming. Policies in other sectors to address diet-related ill- Food safety nesses, environmental quality and climate change may also provide opportunities to Climate change expand urban farming. Nevertheless, for any major advances in urban agriculture, sig- nificant changes in local and regional land use policies are needed. These do not appear to be forthcoming any time soon unless food movements amplify their voices in local and national food policy. Based on his experiences as founder of a small farm in Brooklyn, New York and his engagement with local food movements, the author analyzes obstacles and opportunities for expanding urban agriculture in New York. -
Urban Horticulture Prospective to Secure Food Provisions in Urban and Peri-Urban Environments
Suman and Bhatnagar Int. J. Pure App. Biosci. 7 (3): 133-140 (2019) ISSN: 2320 – 7051 Available online at www.ijpab.com DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.7469 ISSN: 2320 – 7051 Int. J. Pure App. Biosci. 7 (3): 133-140 (2019) Review Article Urban Horticulture Prospective to Secure Food Provisions in Urban and Peri-Urban Environments Mahaveer Suman1* and Prerak Bhatnagar2 Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalrapatan Campus, Jhalawar, Agriculture University, Kota, Rajasthan *Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected] Received: 12.04.2019 | Revised: 18.05.2019 | Accepted: 22.05.2019 ABSTRACT According to the latest estimate of the United Nations, the World's urban population is expected to increase at burgeoning explosion from 2.76 billion in 1995 to 5.34 billion in the year 2025 at which time more than half (2.72 billion) will reside in Asian cities. Insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables is the probable reason for micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition in developing countries. With urbanization, globalization and a growing world population, it becomes imperative and of utmost importance to secure sufficient food supply for the world’s population. Many cities are expected to boom in the near future or are already entrenched with nearly insurmountable problems such as employment for often fairly uneducated migrants from rural areas, proper disposal of an abundance of refuse from households, commerce and industry by making available safe and sufficient supply of cheap but nutritious food rich in vitamins and minerals to feed ever increasing the population of these expanding urban centers. -
AGRICULTURAL MARKETING INFRASTRUCTURE and POST HARVEST MANAGEMENT for the 10Th Five Year People’S Plan, 2010-15
Final Report of the Working Group on AGRICULTURAL MARKETING INFRASTRUCTURE AND POST HARVEST MANAGEMENT th for the 10 Five Year People’s Plan, 2010-15 December, 2009 Food and Agriculture Section, Planning Commission Islamabad Dated: ________________ Subject: Final Report of the Working Group on Agricultural marketing Infrastructure and Post Harvest Management Dear Dr. M .E. Tusneem, Assalamu alaikum Warahmat Ullah Wabarakatuh, The Planning Commission of Pakistan constituted a Working Group on “Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure and Post Harvest Management” on August 29, 2009 for the 10th Five Year People’s Plan 2010-15. The main task for the Working Group was to review existing marketing system of agricultural commodities (wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, oilseeds, pulses, horticulture products, milk, meat, etc.) and recommend strategies/policies for improvement. Also, to review existing regulatory arrangements for ensuring quality of inputs/outputs, and making recommendations for compliance with SPS requirements and promoting exports; to examine adequacy of existing storage/cool chain infrastructure; and recommend public policy interventions, institutional arrangements and investment for enhancing capacity and reducing post harvest losses that would help contain food inflation and protection of consumer rights. Within the given time and resources, the Working Group has come up with a package of policy measures for the improvement of existing agricultural marketing system. I would like to thank all members of the Working Group and other experts for their timely and quality inputs in preparing this report. The services provided by the Planning Commission are highly appreciated. With profound regards, Yours faithfully, (Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan) Chairman Working Group Dr. M .E.