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In formerly vacant city lots across Ohio, urban farms are increasingly sprouting up. Ohio State University Extension, is partnering with urban growers to increase the production of local foods and to create jobs. Columbus now has an estimated 30 urban farms, and Cleveland has 45.  One of these partnerships is Franklinton Farms located in Columbus, Ohio. Franklinton Farms is a network of urban farming plots where traditional farming techniques and high and low tunnels are used to produce enough vegetables, fruits, and herbs to supply a 40-member community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. In 2019, the CSA plans to expand to 75 members, said Nick Stanich, executive director of the nonprofit operation. That’s in addition to the hundreds of pounds of produce the operation donates to area families and homeless centers in Franklinton. Follow this link to learn more. Sourced from: CFAES

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva urged cities around the world to redouble efforts to turn global commitments on food security, nutrition, and climate change, into local realities. At a time of rapid urbanization, cities are becoming increasingly important agents of change including on policies and action aimed at providing access to healthy diets for all. Today, about 55 percent of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68 percent by 2050. Meanwhile some 80 percent of all food produced is consumed in urban areas. “To implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the political commitment of global leaders is not enough. We also need the full engagement of local authorities,” he said. “After all, it is at the local level where people live, where people eat, use water or dispose their garbage.” Follow this link to learn more. Sourced from: Morning Ag Clips

In 2007, New York City launched MillionTrees NYC, a program designed to plant 1 million new trees along streets, in parks and on private and public properties by 2017. They hit their goal two years ahead of time. These programs are popular for a reason: Not only do trees improve the city’s appearance, but they also mitigate the urban heat island effect – the tendency for dense cities to be hotter than surrounding areas. Studies have shown that trees reduce pollutants in the air, and even the mere sight of trees and the availability of green spaces in cities can decrease stress. Follow this link to learn more. Sourced from: Morning Ag Clips

By 2025, Ohio State plans to source 40 percent of on-campus food locally and sustainably. This commitment to future sustainability serves as the backdrop for the Food Futures: Design + Comparative Studies Teaching Cluster, a teaching collaboration between comparative studies senior lecturer Rick Livingston, associate professor of design Peter Chan and associate professor of English Ben McCorkle. The collaboration is housed within the Global Arts and Humanities Discovery Theme’s Livable Futures project, which encourages innovation and collaboration across disciplines to address societal and planetary issues. Follow this link to read more. Sourced from: The Ohio State University