What is Urban Farming? And How You Can Help

You may have seen the term “urban farming” being thrown around a lot lately. But what is urban farming? Simply put, urban farming is the practice of growing food in an urban environment. This can be done in a number of ways, including community gardens, rooftop gardens, and even converted parking spaces.

With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the need for food production is only going to increase. Urban farming presents a unique solution to this problem because it allows us to grow food in places where there is otherwise no land available. Not to mention, urban farms can help to combat food insecurity in low-income areas by providing fresh, healthy produce to those who might not otherwise have access to it.

If you’re interested in joining the urban farming revolution, here are five ways you can get involved:

1. Volunteer at a local farm.
One of the best ways to learn about urban farming is by getting your hands dirty and volunteering at a local farm. There are likely several farms near you that would love to have an extra set of hands on deck, especially during peak growing season. Not only will you get invaluable experience, but you’ll also get to meet other like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. To find a farm near you, simply do a quick Google search or check out websites like WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms).

2. Start your own garden.
If you have even a small amount of space, you can start your own garden! There are all sorts of crops that can be grown in pots or small planters, so don’t let a lack of space discourage you from getting started. Not sure where to start? Check out some beginner-friendly gardening tips here. Once you’ve got your garden up and running, consider donating some of your excess produce to a local food bank or soup kitchen.

3. Purchase from local farmers markets.
Urban farms often sell their produce at local farmers markets, so by shopping there, you’re directly supporting your community’s farmers. Plus, you’ll be getting fresh, delicious produce that was grown just down the road! To find a market near you, check out LocalHarvest or Urban Farmstands.

4. Advocate for policies that support urban agriculture.
There are always new initiatives and policies being proposed that could have a big impact on urban agriculture. If this issue is important to you, consider becoming an advocate and lending your voice to the cause. Reach out to your local representatives and let them know why urban agriculture matters to you and why they should support policies that promote it. You can also stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the world of urban agriculture by following organizations like City Farmers Market Coalition .

5 . Buy Small Axe Peppers Hot Sauce!
Small Axe Peppers Hot Sauce is made with peppers grown in urban farms and community gardens in cities Across America. We purchase our hot sauce at premium prices so the gardens and gardeners can earn income to grow peppers to make our hot sauces. Each bottle purchased directly supports the urban farms and farmers who grow peppers for these hot sauces. So pick up your bottle today!

As with any social movement , awareness and education are key components of effecting real change . The more people know about the many benefits of urban agriculture — from combating food insecurity to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels —the more likely they are t o support initiatives that promote it! The future of food is happening right now in cities all across the world. With a little effort, anyone can join the urban farming revolution and help make our cities greener, healthier places to live. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start growing!