Abstract
Since September 2019, the six-week “Sustainable Urban Food System program” has been led by Dr. Jiangxiao Qiu from UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research Center and UF/IFAS Extension agents Lorna Bravo in Broward and Jessica Ryals in Collier County. The team launched the first Sustainable Urban Food Production program in South Florida after hearing stakeholders’ feedback to focus educational efforts on urban food production for small-beginning farmers within the context of Florida. This multi-disciplinary approach brings together UF statewide researchers and county extension faculty. The program audience is geared toward small farmers, urban farmers, community gardeners, homeowners, schoolteachers, entrepreneurs, urban planners, regulatory personnel, and marginalized communities starting or expanding food production in urban settings. We introduced a six-week short-course Urban Food Production module in Broward County. Participants learned sustainable urban agriculture practices, regulations, business, marketing plans, financial resources, urban food production systems, water conservation, and best management practices. Participants used various technologies, including rain barrels, drip irrigation, composting, and hydroponics. They expanded their knowledge by growing UF Lettuce lines in a Hydro Kit (Deep-water culture system model) designed for this purpose. Multi-year pre- and post-survey results showed subject-specific knowledge increases (>90%) and significant interest (85% –100%) in behavioral changes or behavioral intention changes. Participants reported increased knowledge and interest in developing business and marketing plans (91 – 96%) and implementing technologies into urban agricultural practices. Our survey also revealed knowledge gains and willingness to behavior changes (96 – 100%) related to adopting practices for food safety, cottage food operations, and post-food harvesting.
Presenters
Lorna BravoUrban Horticulture Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension Broward County, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Sustainable Development for a Dynamic Planet: Lessons, Priorities, and Solutions
KEYWORDS
Sustainable Urban Food, Urban Agriculture, Food Systems
