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A profile of urban agricultural growers, organizations, their needs, and challenges in the Northeastern United States

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  • Matthew L Richardson
  • John R Taylor
  • Megan J Thompson
  • Anusuya Rangarajan
  • Mamatha Hanumappa
  • Neith G Little

Abstract

Urban agriculture is increasingly valued as a strategy for improving quality of life in cities, but urban growers face challenges and often lack coordinated support from governments and the agricultural industry. We surveyed urban growers through an online survey, primarily in the Northeastern United States, to develop a profile of growers and associated organizations, assess the current state of urban agriculture, and determine how universities could help meet their needs. A total of 394 respondents completed the survey and most urban growers were white (non-Hispanic) and younger than 45 years old. Women and men were in almost equal proportion. Urban growers were well-educated, but most did not receive a degree in agriculture. Urban agriculture in our study area was dominated by relatively small non-profit organizations and home and community gardens were the most common types of organizations. Urban agricultural organizations want to improve environmental sustainability and socio-cultural conditions through food access and security, regardless of their tax status. Urban growers face diverse barriers and challenges and the most ubiquitous barriers and challenges reported by respondents were related to availability of land and long-term access in urban areas. Many respondents received low revenue or were operating at a net loss even though they reported diverse income streams. Respondents need a wide range of training, including in traditional agricultural topics as well as financial management and business trainings. Universities can play a key role in promoting urban agriculture by offering training and research. Workforce development is a large priority among universities, so urban growers should regularly be consulted, and the results shared with career and workforce development professionals and researchers in urban areas to identify training and research that meets the needs of stakeholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew L Richardson & John R Taylor & Megan J Thompson & Anusuya Rangarajan & Mamatha Hanumappa & Neith G Little, 2024. "A profile of urban agricultural growers, organizations, their needs, and challenges in the Northeastern United States," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(4), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0298831
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298831
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giulia Lucertini & Gianmarco Di Giustino, 2021. "Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture as a Tool for Food Security and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: The Case of Mestre," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Zezza, Alberto & Tasciotti, Luca, 2010. "Urban agriculture, poverty, and food security: Empirical evidence from a sample of developing countries," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 265-273, August.
    3. Shashank Goyal & Denise Ott & Jens Liebscher & Dennis Höfling & Ariane Müller & Jens Dautz & Herwig O. Gutzeit & Dirk Schmidt & Rosmarie Reuss, 2021. "Sustainability Analysis of Fish Feed Derived from Aquatic Plant and Insect," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-14, July.
    4. Rangarajan, Anu & Riordan, Molly, 2019. "The Promise of Urban Agriculture: National Study of Commercial Farming in Urban Areas," Analysis 320850, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Transportation and Marketing Program.
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