Urban farming is the practice of growing, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas. Unlike traditional rural farming, urban farming utilizes available spaces within cities—such as rooftops, vacant lots, and community gardens—to grow food, often using innovative methods like vertical farming and hydroponics to maximize efficiency. Urban farming addresses several global challenges, including food insecurity, sustainability, and climate change. When food is produced locally, the carbon footprint associated with transporting food from rural areas to cities is reduced.

Guest Biographies:

• Clayton Mooney - Owner and operator of Clayton Farms, an urban farming salad establishment in Ames, IA. Grows and sells lettuce using eco-friendly practices

• Cory Marth – Iowa State University student majoring in Accounting and Finance, who plans to return to his family’s row crop and hog operation after graduation.

• Blake Price – Owner and operator of Plant Nannies, offering services in knowledge and consulting of indoor plants. Plant Nannies provides plant care during vacation, helps with pest control, rehab, or maintenance.

Links:

https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/agrhuv/v16y1999i2p131-140.html

https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Vertical_Farm.html?id=0DxTK0jW35sC

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257511143_Urban_agriculture_of_the_future_An_overview_of_sustainability_aspects_of_food_production_in_and_on_buildings

https://www.un.org/en/desa/2018-revision-world-urbanization-prospects

https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/46393/7054_err97_1_.pdf