by Greg Henderson
cattlenetwork.com

Urban agriculture, the practice of growing food on rooftops, in backyards and in community gardens, has been an increasing source of food in developing countries for the last half century. In recent years the practice also has become popular in America, especially in many post-industrial cities that have experienced decline as manufacturing businesses closed.

Despite the increase in food production within cities, citizens continue to depend on the importation of food to meet their daily basic needs. A new study from The Ohio State University, however, suggests that most modern cities have the potential to generate up to 100 percent of their current needs for produce and other items.

The study, “Can cities become self-reliant in food?,” conducted by Parwinder Grewal, professor of entomology and director of the Center for Urban Environment and Economic Development at Ohio State University, suggests that a city such as Cleveland, OH, could produce most of the food its citizens need.

Grewal determined that Cleveland has more than 3,000 acres of vacant lots that are the result of years of manufacturing job losses, the recent economic downturn and a high rate of home foreclosures. He also found 2,900 acres of flat rooftops.

“Cleveland is very progressive in urban agriculture, with more than 200 community gardens (about 50 acres) in existence and legislation that allows for beekeeping and the production of small livestock within the city,” Grewal said. “While not trivial, current local food production only accounts for 1.7 percent ($1.5 million) of the $89 million Cleveland spends annually on fresh produce, and 0.1 percent of the city’s total food and beverage expenditures. However, the potential for food self-reliance is significantly higher considering available space in the city.”

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