Communities are hungry for urban food production.
Engagement continues at an all-time high when there is opportunity to grow food in containers, hydroponic systems, rooftops, community gardens and any available green space. Why? Urban food production, also called urban agriculture, provides an avenue to grow food locally, fight food insecurity and reduce food deserts.
But wait, there is more. The benefits of urban farming go beyond creating community cohesion and providing green space. It could also increase biodiversity by encouraging pollinator habitats and developing educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth and adults.
That’s why leading scientists from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and Extension faculty are offering the popular, award-winning Sustainable Urban Food Production Short Course to South Florida communities for the fourth consecutive year.
Classes start on October 16. Participants can choose from in-person and virtual formats. Please use this link to register browardurbanag2023.eventbrite.com.
Dr. Jiangxiao Qiu, Associate Professor of Landscape Ecology, UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC). Credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS Photography.
“Urban agriculture has gained increasing public and private interests as nature-based solutions, improving ecosystem services, and achieving urban sustainability,” said Jiangxiao Qiu, an associate professor of landscape ecology at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC) and course co-organizer. “This program covers many aspects of urban agriculture from regulation and marketing to production systems and much more.”
Participants meet on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for six weeks through November 20. The course features an easy-to-follow curriculum for all audiences including homeowners, educators, community gardeners, urban farmers and entrepreneurs interested in this developing industry. Scheduled in-person sessions include materials, site visits to urban farms, and classroom instruction at FLREC, located at 3205 College Ave., Davie, Fla.
Participants will receive continuing education units (CEUs), and a certification after completing this short course.
Class dates and topics covered include:
- October 16, 2023: Introduction to Sustainable Urban Agriculture & Regulations
- October 23, 2023: Business and Marketing Plan, and Financial Resources
- October 30, 2023: Urban Food Production Systems
- November 6, 2023: Best Management Practices
- November 13, 2023: Technology Integration in Urban Agriculture
- November 20, 2023: Post Harvesting & Food Handling
This greenhouse, in the middle of Davie in South Florida, is a favorite among chefs and gardeners looking for microgreens and edible flowers. Credit: Lourdes Mederos, UF/IFAS.
“Our course was recognized with the 2023 Excellence Award in Sustainable Agriculture by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents as a successful program that increased adoption of sustainable agriculture practices among local farmers,” said Lorna Bravo, program co-organizer and director at UF/IFAS Extension Broward. “The knowledge gained from the short course will help participants start, manage, and expand their operations in local food production in urban and peri-urban settings.”
Organizers also hope participants walk away with understanding the diverse opportunities available for involvement in urban agriculture. There are many different types of urban agriculture. Some are commercial and some are non-profit.
“Different types of urban agriculture will have different benefits or functions,” said Qiu. “For example, highly commercial ones may prioritize food production, but non-profit community gardens may focus on the efforts of building communities, delivering food to disadvantaged neighborhoods.”
For more information about the program, contact Qiu at qiuj@ufl.edu and Bravo at lbravo1@ufl.edu .
About UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
Why Food Is Our Middle Name
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at ifas.ufl.edu/food or follow #FoodIsOurMiddleName.
