Metropolitan & Urban Food-System Planning

The American Planning Association has adopted a policy guide on community and regional food planning. Citing Marion Nestle, Fred Kirschenmann, Mary Hendrickson, National Restaurant Association, David Pimental and the American Farmland Trust, the guide provides a meticulously reasoned rationale for food systems as central to future development of public and private areas.

They recommend sustainable food systems in recognition of the: rapid and continuing loss of farmland in metropolitan areas; pollution of ground and surface waters caused by overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides; ability of urban agriculture to create greater access to healthy foods in low-income areas: many benefits that emerge from stronger community and regional food systems. Full story and guide here.