Why Urban Agriculture is Thriving During COVID-19
Photo Credit © Wpcpey on Wikimedia Commons; (see license); no changes were made
At first glance, there may not be many upsides to the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic has left millions of people in horrible and scary situations, but many people are also making changes that have the potential to benefit ourselves, our society and our environment long-term.
One such silver lining is urban agriculture.
Widespread calls for social isolation, worries about food supply and a sudden influx of free time have caused a surge in seed sales [FN1]. Seed suppliers have been overwhelmed with massive volumes of orders as they record nearly double the seeds sales over previous, non-pandemic-stricken springs [FN2]. It seems as panic rises over an uncertain future, more and more people are reflecting on the benefits of home-grown produce and choosing to grow their food (or at least flowers) from home.
Widespread Food Shortages
One main driver of people’s newfound interest in urban rooftop farming is the shortage of food in supermarkets. After coronavirus triggered a nationwide wave of panic-buying, pictures of empty shelves circulated on social media and, in many places, fresh fruit and vegetables became scarce. Some eager DIYers responded by planting their own produce and herbs in rooftop gardens or smaller porch/kitchen planters.
The COVID-19 food shortages have also heightened people’s awareness of food supply chain vulnerabilities. Many Americans take for granted that US grocers usually maintain fully-stocked shelves and large freezers full of food. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, a lot of people realized for the first time that food supply chains can (and probably will) be disrupted, which piqued their interest in homegrown food [FN3]. The hope is that the connections people are making between their food and where it comes from will have a lasting effect, long after COVID-19 passes.
More Free Time
Additionally, many people are out of work and almost everyone is spending a lot of time at home. With limited entertainment options (how much Netflix can any one person really watch?) and all this extra time on their hands, people are looking for new hobbies. Gardening has, interestingly, become a popular quarantine activity.
This is great news for all of us because plants & gardening are wildly beneficial for both health and environment. In terms of individual health, research shows that gardening improves heart health, reduces stress, boosts mood and even promotes better sleep – things we could all benefit from during a global pandemic [FN4]. Moreover, urban gardens help reduce carbon emissions associated with food transport/purchase, provide fresh food in food deserts, counter the “heat island effect” and improve neighborhood aesthetics [FN5]. In short: the more people who utilize their homes or rooftops as farms or gardens, the better.
Increased Awareness of Global Food Insecurity
Finally, COVID-19 has undoubtedly impacted the way people think about their own food sources, but it has also brought food insecurity & hunger into the limelight as global issues. As a result of this crisis, people may start to think more comprehensively about food shortages, hunger and the fragility of our current food system. Urban farming is a way to provide much-needed nutrition in areas that are otherwise left vulnerable to fluctuations in food prices and availability.
Though we may not thank the coronavirus for much, we can, at the very least, take heed of the positive impact it has had on spreading awareness of the importance of growing your own food, no matter where you live.
References
4. https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/health-benefits-of-gardening/
5. https://www.theecologycenter.org/10-ways-urban-farms-benefit-the-community/
6. https://civileats.com/2020/04/15/the-rebirth-of-urban-ag-is-a-coronavirus-silver-lining/