BigPicture
BIG PICTURE
Urban farming revolution
WHAT?
A growing number of urban and ‘vertical’ farms and farming technology companies are operating in British cities, where they deliver fresh, pest-free produce to local supermarkets and consumers.
WHY?
At a time of geopolitical upheaval potentially threatening food imports and, with 90% of the population forecast to live in urban areas in 2050, the food system could be exposed to supply and labour shortages.
HOW?
Urban farmers use a variety of techniques, such as container gardening and controlled-environment agriculture. Urban farming often uses under-utilised spaces such as rooftops, empty lots and abandoned buildings.
25-50%
The portion of UK’s urban space that could be cultivated, according to Lancaster University
4.1x
Urban green space could quadruple the total output of fresh produce in the UK
40
There are more than 40 urban farms across the UK in big cities such as London and Bristol
