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What does Urbanag bring to the table?

Urbanag wants to work with others to achieve a far greater level of urban agriculture in the UK (and elsewhere, should the opportunity arise) than is currently the case

It will do so not so much simply in recognition of past traditions, but in the context of the needs and environment of urban conurbations toady.

Although Urbanag is happy to be an advocate for urban agriculture, for example on regulatory need and change, and its benefits and practice, it see its role chiefly as assisting in the development of practical activities with longer term objectives. These activities will, in a sense, speak for themselves as to the way forward.

Urbanag embarks upon this work without any ideological preconceptions but with the aim of making urban agriculture a mainstream activity rather than an alternative option.

Urbanag believes a much more strategic outlook and approach is required. This is presently lacking or buried under a host of other seemingly more pressing issues.

A small example.

Faiths have always placed food at the centre of their beliefs and practices. The importance of the agricultural cycle is played out in nearly all faiths. Traditions for feeding the poor and needy are practically universal.

In Liverpool, a ‘Bread Church’ in the centre of town allows homeless people and others to bake one loaf of bread each day for themselves and a second for sale or donation to another person or group as ‘payment’ for their own loaf. The Langars of the Sikhs feed millions of poor and homeless people across the world, and play an important part in the ceremonies and festivals of the faith. The Jewish faith forbids the destruction of an enemy’s fruit trees so that, even in defeat, they will still be able to feed themselves.

Just a few examples of this emphasis on food.

Yet despite these traditions, and despite faiths often being major landowners in urban areas, there is little concern with production on the part of the faiths. Although many of the sites they own may be small – and some entirely unsuited to food production – if they dealt with these sites strategically, meaningful production could be undertaken.

Such production would in all likelihood release funds currently used to buy food for a project – for example, soup kitchens. Most places of worship may be rich in some resources but are generally poor in finances and often face more urgent demands for money for such things as building repairs or changes to meet new needs.

Urbanag will attempt to build partnerships with formal and informal groups and organisations, whether statutory or voluntary.

Specifically, Urbanag can assist in developing strategic outlooks and outcomes. It can bring people together who might not otherwise see the connections we can make.

Urbanag is experienced in all aspects of project management and can help develop those skills in others so they, in turn, can manage their own projects.

Urbanag is especially keen to work on projects where participants may be good at their core activity but are not so adept at managing their projects’ sustainability.

While Urbanag recognises the creativity that exists in small and local projects, we are aware that far too many projects fail for reasons other than a reduction in the need for the core service offered. Urbanag will engage with public and private corporations, organisations, local groups and individuals to assist such projects and to develop new schemes.

We believe better cross-community dialogue is needed – too much ‘local action’ is only a conversation between local activists and public bodies.

While giving some support to ‘alternative’ approaches to urban food production, Urbanag regards its main task as making urban agriculture mainstream in recognition of a world that has growing food security issues. That doesn’t mean we know it all – we believe experience is too limited for anyone to be a confident expert and, although there is some good practice, we can, and still need to, learn a good deal more and from each other.

Urbanag believes food production and access is core to sustainability and cannot be considered without the economic sustainability of groups and communities, which Urbanag will prioritise.

Urbanag is not romantic about what is or isn’t a community but takes a hard-headed approach to project development.

In summary, Urbanag wants urban agriculture to be taken out of the ‘project box’ and put into a new area of long-term and diverse urban activity.

If you would like a more detailed discussion about how Urbanag can work with you please contact us. We aim to be both flexible and accessible.