It’s now common knowledge that America has at least a passive interest in farming (thanks to Farmville). But perhaps you should consider the real thing.

Don’t live out in the boonies to start a farm? No problem; that’s what urban farming is for, and it offers lot of great personal and community benefits. Amber Hunt, from our family company Quicken Loans, provides an inside scoop on how Detroit is taking advantage of all the great opportunities urban farming has to offer.

By Amber Hunt of Quicken Loans

Urban farming is the process of processing, cultivating and distributing food in or around a village, town or city. And urban farming in the city of Detroit is not a new concept. In fact, we have a long history of farming and agriculture. As early as 1893, citizens of a depression-struck Detroit were asked to use any vacant lots to grow vegetables. They were nicknamed Pingree’s Potato Patches after the mayor, Haze S. Pingree, who came up with the idea. He intended for these gardens to produce income, food supply, and even boost self independence during times of hardship. (via Wikipedia)

And now, urban farming in Detroit is becoming popular once again. The resurgence of this movement seems to be fueled by a combination of need, available land and the desire to reframe how we produce and consume our food, as well as redefine the meaning of Detroit itself.

Urban Farming: The Need

Many urban farming organizations are working tirelessly to make sure that all people have access to healthy food choices. D-Town Farm is a 2-acre model urban farm located in Rouge Park in Northwestern Detroit. The operation includes organic vegetable plots, two bee hives, a hoop house for year round food production, and a composting operation. All produce is grown using sustainable, chemical-free practices, and sold at D-Town farm, Eastern Market, and urban growers markets throughout Detroit. The Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the cultivation of healthier food and, more importantly, greater local participation in the politics of food production. Organizations such as the DBCFSN are on a mission to make sure that the hungry are not merely fed, but that they are fed in healthy, sustainable ways and that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the politics of food production.

Urban Farming: The Land

Saying that Detroit has a lot of land is an understatement. In a study published in the current edition of The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, MSU academic specialist Kathryn Colasanti found the more than 4,000 acres of available land in Detroit could supply up to 75 percent of fresh vegetables and 40 percent of fruit available to residents (source). Organizations like Hanz Farms seeks to capitalize on the availability of land in Detroit and create the world’s largest urban farm in the city. Currently there are more than 400 community farms and gardens operating within the city limits and that number is growing every day.

Urban Farming: The Perspective

Access to local produce is not the only benefit to the urban farming movement. Better heath and nutrition, job creation and a clean environment also play a role and add to the overall benefits of the movement. People save money by growing their own food, and they may even make money by selling the food they grow at local markets or grocery stores. Urban farming is said to be therapeutic. Farming and gardening relieves stress and provides a sense of purpose. Urban farming has the potential to create jobs, reduce waste and transform under-utilized land into an abundant resource.

It definitely seems as if Detroit is returning to its farming background. That’s right, before we started making cars like crazy Detroit was known as a farming region. How big of a role the current urban farming movement will play in Detroit’s revitalization is yet to be seen. But it’s hard to ignore the impact it’s already having on the spaces around us. From urban gardens right in the middle of our vibrant downtown to people who move to Detroit and start urban farms, urban farming is certainly becoming firmly rooted (PUN!) once again in Detroit’s culture.

About the Author: Amber Hunt

Having perfected the art of karaoke over the last 10 years, Amber is happy to teach you about karaoke etiquette, song selection and how to “jam” on the mic. If karaoke isn’t your thing, Amber can also help you with your personal finance woes. Perhaps she’ll even do it in song! Whether you’re a Material Girl or if you Work Hard For The Money, Amber’s got you covered.