1 of 21

Farmstand Business Curriculum

Lesson 3: Introduction to Urban Farming

2 of 21

Lesson Outline

  • What is the difference between industrial and small-scale agriculture?
  • What is urban agriculture?
  • What are some examples of different types of farming in urban settings?
  • What method of food production do we think will support our local community?

3 of 21

Warm-up

The Hidden Costs of Industrial Agriculture� ���

​

or

4 of 21

What is industrial agriculture?

​

  • Large-scale production of crops, animals, and animal products
  • Often uses chemical fertilizers and may use genetically modified crops in order to produce maximum yield

​

5 of 21

What is industrial agriculture?

​

  • Challenges: Focuses on profits over over treatment, health, and wellbeing of farm workers, animals, and environment
  • Can you think of any benefits?

​

6 of 21

Industrial corn farm in Iowa

7 of 21

What is small-scale farming?

  • Usually use less machinery and fewer chemical inputs
  • Stewards biodiverse and pollinator habitats
  • Sometimes considered organic or use organic practices
  • Generally works more harmoniously with the soil and environment

8 of 21

What is small-scale farming?

Challenges: Expensive start-up costs, more human labor and time needed for smaller output

9 of 21

Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, NY

Soul Fire is BIPOC-centered and utilizes organic and ancestral practices

10 of 21

What is urban agriculture?

  • The practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas.
  • Sometimes makes use of empty spaces in cities to turn into gardens or green spaces.
  • Incorporates more environmental equity in lower resourced areas - communities of color reclaiming land in urban settings

GrowNYC Teaching Garden at Governors Island

11 of 21

New Roots Community Farm

Bronx, NY

​

12 of 21

Activity One: Urban Farm Research

13 of 21

Activity One

Group One - Aquaponic Farming

14 of 21

Activity One

Group Two - Rooftop Farming

15 of 21

Activity One

Group Three - Community Gardens

16 of 21

Activity One

Group Four - Traditional Farming

17 of 21

Activity One

Group Five - Hydroponic Farming

18 of 21

Discussion Questions:

  • What are the benefits beyond food that an urban farm might provide? Consider the environment, communities, and broader mission of food access

19 of 21

Activity Two: Urban Farm Design Lab

20 of 21

Reflection Questions:

  • What method of food production seems possible for our school community? Why?
  • What do you envision for a food access point that supports this urban production plan?

21 of 21

Questions?

21