Defined loosely as localized small-scale agriculture within an urban setting, urban agriculture is changing the way we think about land use while offering possibilities for those living in poverty. All across the country, farms and gardens are springing up in backyards, abandoned lots, and in the shadows of once great symbols of industrial progress. The potential benefits are vast and range from improved nutrition to job creation, increased home values to improved public safety, and educational opportunities to community ownership. From an environmental perspective, urban agriculture also can sequester carbon, reduce energy use, and increase awareness about our natural world.

Here I explore the opportunities and challenges that urban farming presents, set against the backdrop of Detroit’s growing agricultural movement. By examining relevant legal issues, I hope to present a starting point for advocates attempting to advance similar efforts within their own communities.