Urban Farmer

As people become more aware of where our produce has come from and the distance it has traveled to reach our markets, we are realising that we have had little say in this process. Urban farming is changing all that, with food being grown locally and sold locally, giving people access to seasonally fresh produce.

What They Do

Not to be confused with community gardening, urban farmers will grow a variety of vegetables on a small plot and sell their produce to local restaurants, people in the community or farmers markets.

Where They Work

Urban farms are being established in cities, as rooftop gardens for example, and the outer suburbs. These farms are much smaller in size when compared to traditional farms. Homeowners on the fringe of cities and in urban areas are realising that the areas of turf and open spaces on their properties can be used to grow a variety of vegetables and/or herbs.   With a little bit of know-how and planning, small house yards or plots can be turned into productive land growing a huge variety of seasonal vegetables and herbs.  Due to the proximity of urban farms, many benefits can be had by supplying produce to the local community, such as food quality and security, more green spaces, education, just to name a few.

What is Needed

A passion for providing an alternative market for the local community supplying fresh produce. Since most urban farmers will try and grow herbs and vegetables as clean and green as possible, a course in organic farming, or how to grow vegetables will be beneficial. Having a good understanding of plants nutritional requirements, soil management, identifying pests and diseases are just some examples of the knowledge an urban farmer needs to have a successful business.   

Opportunities

Opportunities are there for people who have a desire to supply fresh, healthy, locally grown produce. With a large portion of the world's population living in and around cities, and people understanding the value of eating whole nutritious food, places such as farmers markets, for example, have become a popular choice for members of a local community to source fresh produce. 
Many cafes and local restaurants will look to and support farmers growing local produce.