Challenges in Expanding the Urban Farming Movement

Economics and perception creating problems getting food from non-traditional sources

As the world’s population grows there is an increased effort to find new and non-traditional ways to get food on the family dinner table.

One of the most popular ways has been urban farming, the practice of growing food within cities or other places crops aren’t typically grown. First Lady Michelle Obama has a vegetable garden at the White House. Will Allen, founder of Growing Power, has been on Time Magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People for his efforts in urban agriculture.

Despite the recent urban farming boom, there are still serious challenges getting the industry where many experts say it needs to be in order to supply increased demand for healthy food.

Carola Grebitus, an agribusiness professor at Arizona State University, is leading a session on alternative food systems at the 2016 Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Meeting in Boston July 31 – August 2.

“Consumer perception could be more important than the actual product value when it comes to demand for produce from urban farms,” Grebitus said. “Supporting the environment is important for consumers, but more education may be needed to make urban farms a viable source for produce.

This session is being held Tuesday, August 2, 2016, at 1:00 PM at the Marriott Copley Square, in the Exeter Room on the third floor. If you are interested in setting up an interview before or during the meeting, please contact Jay Saunders in the AAEA Business Office.

Contact: Allison Scheetz
Senior Communications Manager
(414) 918-3190
Email: ascheetz@aaea.org