Welcome to Urban Agriculture week on Crisp Green!

This week, we are bringing you the latest urban agriculture related news mixed with lots of good-to-know information and unique projects that are happening across the United States. As efforts to reclaim our food system persist, innovators across the country have been working hard to bring farming back to the urban environment. From low-tech DIY solutions to traditional farming methods, there is a lot to learn and plenty to share. Feel free to share your thoughts and links to your favorite urban agriculture resources, and don't forget to tell us about the urban farming projects in your town!

Editor's Note: This is a guest post by Mike Lieberman

When people think of urban areas, they usually think of lots of concrete, tall buildings and not much green space.

While this is true, there are always ways to incorporate urban agriculture into the urban landscape. It is not only possible, but important for urban areas to have green space and be a part of the agricultural scene.

Here are some simple reasons why:

We meant to grow food, not sit in front of computers

Sounds odd, but it’s true. Look back at history and you can see this. Computers are pretty new invention and most people who work and live in cities spend most of their time in front of one. I know that I do.

By allocating space for urban agriculture, individuals get reconnected with their food source and nature while still enjoying the city life. It can help to serve as an escape from the everyday craziness that has become our lives.

1,500 Miles Farm to Plate

That is the average distance that our food travels. Most cities need to import their produce from distances far away because there is no space to grow.

Urban agriculture helps in a variety of ways. It helps to cut down on the food miles traveled, which includes the oil, packaging and resources needed for the food to make the journey. Overall, it’s not a very sustainable practice.

Chemicals and toxins

Most produce is sprayed while in transit to preserve or help the food to ripen. Urban agriculture can help to eliminate the use of those chemicals and toxins by practicing organic and sustainable farming methods. This can help enrich the land and also breathe fresh air into the environment.

Is a study necessary to tell you that food sprayed with chemicals that you going to then put into your body is bad?

These are just a few of the reasons why urban agriculture is important. This is by no means an exhaustive list. I’m not saying that everyone should go out and start an urban farm. That wouldn’t be realistic (yet).

What are some other reasons that urban agriculture is important?

About the author: Through his blog UrbanOrganicGardener.com and social media, Mike Lieberman inspires and empowers people to start growing their own food and reconnect with their food source. Lieberman believes that growing just one herb or vegetable will make a difference. It will help to cut back the intensive resources that go into the production and transport of food to our plates. It will also help us to re-establish our connection with food that we've lost over the past few years. We are humans. We grow food. Connect with Mike on Twitter and Facebook.

Image Credits: Karen MacKay