I ordered a copy of the WorldWatch Institute’s publication: 2007 State of the World: Our Urban Future. It can be purchased as a downloadable PDF document, or as a book. Chapter 3 is called “Farming the Cities” by Brian Halweil and Danielle Nierenberg, and it’s an interesting summary of the state of urban agriculture around the world.

It makes a compelling case for the value of people growing their own food in urban areas (urban farms, community gardens, backyard gardens, rooftop gardens) and for creative ways to facilitate access to local food in cities (farmers markets, CSA’s). It presents the results of numerous studies that document the benefits of growing food in urban areas for public health, the environment, the economy, food security, and the community. I found many of these helpful in talking about the work we are doing in Boston. I was inspired by what is happening in other parts of the country and the world. I encourage everyone to take a look at it. And of course The Food Project is mentioned!