Urban Farming as the New Norm Environmental Economics Econ 2505 Yuliya Gurevich Professor MacDonald

The Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm Grows over 50,000 pounds of organically-cultivated produce per year Host educational tours and workshops Absorbs 60,000-100,000 gallons of storm water every rainfall Is Produce Safe to Eat? Because of its high location produce is protected form dangerous heavy metals such as lead and automotive break pad particles In Winter – special crops are used to add nutrition back into the soil and prevent erosion

Urban Farming Community gardens, beekeeping, rooftop greenhouses, or green roofs with food growing capacity Benefits: Environmental Improve air quality by minimizing emission gasses from food transportation Plants act as natural air purifiers by absorbs certain toxins from the air Economical Decrease flooding because plants absorb water Creates jobs, which improves local economy Health Benefits Community members have access to fresh, nutritious, affordable food Eliminate food desserts through farmer’s markets Improves social relationships by connecting community members

Why bother? World’s population is growing, demand for food goes up - UF provides food People are moving to urban areas – density, uneven demand for food - Locally grown food will be in supply Obesity - Urban farming provides fresh, nutritious food Climate Change - Cleans air, reduces urban heat island effect Storm water and sewage overflow - Vegetated surfaces absorb rain water

Beekeeping Bee populations in the last decade have been severely declined Beekeeping has great benefits for residents and bees. - Nearby flowers can flourish and residents can have access to local honey - Economic Boost, U.S. generates approximately $332 million in revenue every year

Urban Heat Island Effect New York City is on average 2-4 C degrees warmer than the surrounding areas creating the urban heat island effect Roof top gardens have the potential to reduce this effect. It increases the albedo of the surface while insulating the structure below Which reduces the need for air conditioning

Urban Farming will not solve it all Get Involved Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, 44 Eagle St., New York, NY Visitors can volunteer and learn about urban agriculture from the site’s Growing Chefs-trained education team Randall’s Island Urban Farm, 20 Randall’s Island, New York, NY Schools and community members can visit the farm to participate in free hands-on learning programs La Finca del Sur, 138th St. and Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY While the project’s main mission is to empower minority women through economic and food sustainability, the farm and organization welcome all volunteers and participants. Visitors to La Finca del Sur can rent a bed or volunteer to work on the community farm.

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