6 Companies And Organizations With A Commitment To Urban Farming
Urban agriculture is a great way to revitalize communities by delivering jobs and education while eliminating food deserts by providing fresh fruits and vegetables. These companies and nonprofits are all pioneers in the use of existing spaces for farming, supporting proper nutrition and economic development in cities. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
6 Leaders in the Urban Farming Movement
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Farmscape | Los Angeles & Oakland, CA |
| Little Wild Things Farm | Washington, D.C. |
| Gotham Greens | New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Providence, RI, Baltimore, MD, & Denver, CO |
| Urban Growers Collective | Chicago, IL |
| The Side Yard Farm & Kitchen | Portland, OR |
| Youth Farm | Minneapolis, MN |
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In Depth
As an increasing amount of the world's population lives in cities, urban farming is becoming extremely popular. In addition to reconnecting urbanites with fresh food, it exposes them to a more traditional food chain that connects them to nature and teaches invaluable lessons. In no particular order, here are 6 organizations and companies that promote urban agriculture.
At #1 we have Farmscape, the United States' largest urban farming company. Their team of landscape architects, contractors, and urban farmers has designed and installed over 700 projects since their launch in 2008.
Based out of the bay area, Farmscape's portfolio includes agrihood, multi-family, commercial, restaurant, and residential projects throughout California. Their services include landscape and hardscape design and installation, as well as farm maintenance.
Based out of the bay area, Farmscape's portfolio includes agrihood, multi-family, commercial, restaurant, and residential projects throughout California.
Coming in at #2 is Little Wild Things Farm, an urban agriculture company in Washington, D.C.. Little Wild Things produces Certified Naturally Grown shoots, microgreens, and edible flowers. They transform underutilized urban spaces into micro-farms on which they can grow healthy and fresh produce.
Little Wild Things Farm is founded on the belief that sustainable, commercially viable farming is possible in urban environments. They utilize sustainable growing methods and innovative new technologies to achieve the highest yields in small spaces. This company sells its produce to home chefs in addition to wholesale buyers.
Next up at #3 is Gotham Greens, a forward-thinking fresh food company that builds and operates sustainable greenhouses in cities across America. Within these greenhouses, Gotham Greens grows a year-round supply of local produce that is regionally distributed in order to provide fresh, nutritionally dense food.
Within these greenhouses, Gotham Greens grows a year-round supply of local produce that is regionally distributed in order to provide fresh, nutritionally dense food.
Gotham Greens is committed to using technology to promote sustainable food chain practices. With locations in major urban areas such as New York City and Chicago, they also work within communities to promote economic growth. Urbanites can find a variety of fresh lettuces from Gotham Greens in select grocery stores.
At #4 is Urban Growers Collective located in Chicago, Illinois. This collective strives to assist urban areas in developing community based agriculture systems through which food can be grown, prepared, and distributed within a single locality. They work closely with community partners to build economic opportunities for youth while mitigating problems associated with food insecurity.
In addition to managing several community farms where residents can apply for their own plots, Urban Growers Collective participates in multiple programs that work to improve the local economy through agriculture. With Grounds for Peace: 50 Lots, the collective has worked in conjunction with the city of Chicago to beautify vacant properties in three south west side communities. They also provide a variety of job training programs.
With Grounds for Peace: 50 Lots, the collective has worked in conjunction with the city of Chicago to beautify vacant properties in three south west side communities.
Coming in at #5 is the Side Yard Farm & Kitchen. This urban farm, supper club, venue space and catering company is located in the Cully Neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. The farm is largely run by volunteers and interns who gain a hands on education in agriculture.
In addition to hosting monthly farm brunches and suppers, the Side Yard also provides catering in addition to sourcing out produce to local restaurants and educating the public on sustainable agriculture. They host a variety of events, including movie nights and yoga classes.
Last but not least we have Youth Farm at #6. Having evolved from an upstart community gardening program, Youth Farm now engages in a wide variety of youth development programs and manages over 10 farm sites throughout the Twin Cities.
Having evolved from an upstart community gardening program, Youth Farm now engages in a wide variety of youth development programs and manages over 10 farm sites throughout the Twin Cities.
Youth Farm utilizes food as a catalyst for social change, community engagement, and leadership development. Every year they engage over 1,500 youths in programming that includes growing season partnerships, school year education, community events, and leadership training.
