Urban agriculture is any form of food and flora production that occurs anywhere in cities, towns and villages including that which occurs on their perimeter. A recent study by the South Australian Department of Primary Industries suggests that this agriculture represents up to 25% of Australia's total farm production ($7b of $28b). The USA Department of Agriculture estimates its urban agriculture as being greater than 40% of its total production.
The range of types of urban agriculture includes backyard and community gardens, rooftop, school agricultural plots, historical, lifestyle/hobby, boutique/cottage/niche, farm gate, agritourism, equine (recreation and sport), flood plain, flood free, and hi-tech. Each type has its own distinctive benefits, values and planning requirements.
I invite you to participate as I investigate urban agriculture across the world on my Churchill Trust study tour, beginning October 2006, by going to:
http://www.urbanagricultureworldwide.blogspot.com
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