About Advocates for urban agriculture
Advocates for Urban Agriculture: Supporting Sustainable Agriculture in the City
Advocates for Urban Agriculture (AUA) is a coalition of urban farms, community and school gardens, individuals and businesses working to support and expand sustainable agriculture in the city. Founded in 2002, AUA has been at the forefront of promoting urban agriculture as a means to create healthy communities, improve food security, and foster environmental sustainability.
At AUA, we believe that everyone should have access to fresh, healthy food regardless of their income or location. We work towards this goal by supporting urban farmers and gardeners through education, advocacy, networking opportunities and resources. Our members include farmers markets, community-supported agriculture programs (CSAs), food co-ops and other organizations that share our vision of a more sustainable food system.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote sustainable agriculture practices in urban areas by providing education on best practices for growing crops in small spaces; advocating for policies that support local food systems; connecting growers with consumers through farmers markets; building partnerships between schools and community gardens; providing technical assistance to new growers; hosting workshops on topics such as composting techniques or beekeeping basics.
We believe that by working together we can create a more resilient local food system that benefits everyone. Our members are passionate about creating positive change in their communities through sustainable agriculture practices.
Education
One of our primary goals is to provide education on best practices for growing crops in small spaces. We offer workshops on topics such as soil health management techniques or pest control strategies so that growers can maximize yields while minimizing inputs like water or fertilizer use.
Advocacy
We also advocate for policies that support local food systems such as zoning laws which allow residents to grow vegetables on their property without fear of being fined by city officials who may view these activities as nuisances rather than valuable contributions towards improving public health outcomes like reducing obesity rates among children living near low-income neighborhoods where access to fresh produce is limited.
Networking Opportunities
We provide networking opportunities for growers and consumers through farmers markets where they can connect with each other and share information about their products or services. We also host events like farm tours or potlucks where members can get to know each other better and learn from one another's experiences.
Partnerships
We build partnerships between schools and community gardens so that students can learn about sustainable agriculture practices while also getting hands-on experience growing their own food. This helps to create a sense of ownership among students who may not have access to fresh produce at home due to financial constraints or lack of transportation options.
Technical Assistance
We provide technical assistance to new growers who may be struggling with issues like soil fertility, pest management, or irrigation systems. Our experienced staff members are available to answer questions and offer advice on how best to address these challenges so that growers can maximize yields while minimizing inputs like water or fertilizer use.
Workshops
Finally, we host workshops on topics such as composting techniques or beekeeping basics which help people learn more about sustainable agriculture practices in a fun and interactive way. These workshops are open to anyone interested in learning more about urban farming regardless of their level of experience.
Conclusion
Advocates for Urban Agriculture is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture practices in urban areas by providing education, advocacy, networking opportunities, partnerships between schools and community gardens, technical assistance for new growers, hosting workshops on topics such as composting techniques or beekeeping basics. We believe that by working together we can create a more resilient local food system that benefits everyone. Join us today!
auachicago.org
