Urban Ag & Hort

Food for Future

Supported by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) we are modelling the current and projected distribution of hundreds of trees species across the US that are know to produce edible parts (fruits, flowers, leaves, bark, sap, etc.) for humans. A new tree selection tool will empower urban farmers and community gardeners in selecting climate-ready edible species that can increase nutritional safety and food access across all communities. Have you ever tried a Native Nutella spread on acorn bread? Here is your chance!

Plant Breeding and Cultivation

Humans cultivated and used plants since the foundation of early cities and towns. While breeding, trait selection and trade significantly boosted nursery offerings and market diversity, opportunities still remain when producing plants able to survive and thrive in urban areas. Here we want to understand to what extent we can bring back heirloom productions, forgotten species, cultigens and varieties, as well as breed the 'ultimate urban plants'.

Gardening and Food Production

Growing plants and produce is urban areas is often a social practice bringing together people with similar values and mindsets. People's knowledge, attitudes and preferences can greatly affect the extent to which urban plants produce, bloom and provide much needed ecosystem services to communities. Here we are interested to know how plants can help mitigate social and public health issues related to food access, inequality, nutrition, and more.