Previously, it was very difficult for the average New Yorker to eat locally grown produce. Many of us still eat produce grown from across the country, which needs to be exposed to many chemicals to remain fresh throughout the journey. Furthermore, transporting vegetation and other produce via motorized vehicles has further damaged our environment due to excess fossil fuel use (Safe Alliance 1994). As a result, many people are interested in urban farming methods to help bring fresh food to the average city dweller. Urban farming also adds greenery to our concrete jungle which helps reduce air pollution.

However, there are many obstacles that come into play when planning a farm in the city. A city like our own, lacks the space needed to sustain a large enough farm to feed a neighborhood. Moreover, in many areas the soil is contaminated with heavy metals and chemicals which cannot sustain vegetation. Certain farming methods such as vertical farming serves as a solution. Vertical farms plant vegetables and produce in layers, one on top of the other. Most vertical farms used artificial lighting for each layer of vegetation and are often indoors to protects plants from harsh weather conditions. Many of them also use the hydroponics systems, which replaces soil beds with water that is going to be reused (aquaponics is a variation of this). Aerofarms also incorporates other uses of technology, such as conveyer belts that package the produce. Many farms that use this technique support local supermarkets which eliminates the need to transport food over long distances. Moreover, it can create new jobs for people in our cities.

This system does have its fallbacks, it can be very expensive to start and manage. It is not an easy project for the average citizen to attempt because it requires indoor space. Also controlling the temperature for these indoor farms also increases the amount of expenditures. Most of all, the cost of lighting to sustain all layers of vegetation can be discouraging. To me, it seems like a task for larger companies like AeroFarms or Whole Foods to manage.

Sources:

http://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/24/vertical-farming-the-next-big-thing-for-food-and-tech.html

Deelstra, Tjeerd, and Herbert Girardet. “URBAN AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE CITIES.”: n. pag. Web.