A University of Florida study provides evidence that public support for urban agriculture has deep roots.
The findings show that public support is not one-dimensional. Instead, researchers at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) found that different forms of engagement are driven by different motivations.
By using survey data from South Florida residents and artificial intelligence-assisted analysis of thousands of news stories throughout the United States, the research team provides communities, Extension professionals and policymakers with a roadmap for encouraging participation and expanding urban agriculture. This has the potential to improve food security, strengthen neighborhoods and build resilient cities.
The study, published in NPJ Urban Sustainability, found that public support for urban agriculture extends well beyond consumer purchasing decisions.
“Public support for urban agriculture is broad, strong, and takes many different forms,” said Jiangxiao Qiu, associate professor of landscape ecology at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. “How people perceive the benefits of urban agriculture strongly shapes their willingness to donate and participate, purchase local produce, and back supportive policies. The key takeaway is that these are not random acts, but distinct behaviors driven by their own motives and values.”
The findings provide new insight into how communities can expand these programs to improve food security and strengthen urban resilience.
Urban agriculture, including community gardens, rooftop farms, school gardens, rooftop gardens and other food-growing spaces, has become an increasingly important tool for improving food security, enhancing community well-being and creating greener, more sustainable cities. Yet expanding these efforts depends on understanding what motivates people to get involved.
To better understand those motivations, researchers at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center surveyed 1,000 adults across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Participants completed the survey in either English or Spanish, providing a representative snapshot of public attitudes in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions.
An important part of the study involved using artificial intelligence (AI) to help examine thousands of news stories about urban agriculture in the United States over the last ten years. This provided additional insight into how awareness and interest in urban agriculture have changed over time.
“We found that interest has generally increased, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Qiu. “Florida stands out as one of the areas with strong public interest in urban agriculture, along with several states on the West Coast, in the Midwest and in New England.”
The findings reveal that while support for urban agriculture is widespread, different actions are inspired by different motivations.
People who feel a strong sense of community are more likely to financially support urban agriculture through donations. Residents who have hands-on experience with gardening or are familiar with nearby urban agriculture projects are more likely to volunteer or participate. Meanwhile, purchasing locally grown products and supporting public policies that expand urban agriculture are most strongly linked to a sense of shared responsibility for building healthier, more sustainable communities.
“When people recognize the range of benefits that urban agriculture offers, not just food but community connection and a better quality of life, they become more aware of what is at stake and more likely to take action.” said Hui Zhao, the lead author who completed her doctoral degree under the supervision of Qiu. “Understanding what drives each behavior is critical because it tells us how to reach different people in ways that resonate with their own perception and lived experiences.”
The research suggests that communities do not need a one-size-fits-all approach to encourage public support. Creating opportunities for residents to visit community gardens, volunteer at urban farms or learn about the environmental and social benefits of urban agriculture may help transform general interest into long-term engagement.
“Community leaders and Extension professionals can use these insights to promote urban agriculture development and build healthier, more resilient cities,” said Qiu. “There is no single message that works for everyone, but by knowing people whether through their social networks, personal experiences, values or sense of civic responsibility, we can turn broad public interest in urban agriculture into lasting, concrete actions.”
By increasing the visibility of urban agriculture projects, creating more opportunities for public participation and tailoring outreach to different audiences, communities can build lasting support for programs that improve food security, strengthen neighborhoods and increase resilience.
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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