Lesson 1. Scope and Nature of Urban Farming
Introduction - Why this matters
What is Urban Farming
Who is an urban farmer?
Motivating Concerns: Environmental, Food Security and Waste, Sustainability,
Motivating Benefits: Profitability, Nutrition and Opportunities
Urban Farm Concepts
Further Factors in Concept Planning (Organics and Security)
Diversification of Urban Farming
Example 1 Plant and Animal Tissue Culture
Example 2 Urban Foraging
Lesson 2. What and Where to Farm
Choose wisely
What to Farm?
Geographic location
Local climate
Available space
Infrastructure Access
Community/Social Demographics
Restrictions on What Can be Farmed
Permits/Licences
Farming Animals
Farming Plants
Time to Harvest
Where to Farm?
Evaluating Sites
Indoor Sites: Factories, Warehouses, Greenhouses, Vacant Buildings
Outdoor Site: Rooftops, Parks, Community Gardens, Urban Land
Space Considerations
Lesson 3. Urban Farming Technologies
Introduction
Urban Farm Technologies
Protected Environments
Growth Cabinets
Cloches, Greenhouses and Florida Rooms
Hydroponics
Aquaponics
Aquaculture
Vertical Farming
Multi-storey Farming
Diversified Production Systems
Single Product Production Systems
Emerging Technologies
IoT, Automation, AI, Robotics, Blockchain, Nanotech
Lesson 4. Starting Up & Managing an Urban Farm
Introduction
Initial Considerations
Assessing Risks
Potential Risks
Legal Considerations
Safe Waste Disposal
Forecasting and Preparation
Analysing Costs and Benefits
Acquisitions and Launching
Acquire the Site
Property Setup and Staff Training
Launching the Business
Growing the Business
Lesson 5. Animal Farming Systems
Changing Farms
Intensive Animal Farming
Challenges of Urban Farming
The Physical Environment
Ethics
Services and Resources Access
Biosecurity and Health
Security of Animals
Animal Production Systems
Free Range, High Density and Bottomless Pens
How to Increase Productivity
Pasture Intensification, Livestock Selection, Animal Feed
Choosing High Value Farm Activities
Integration of Urban Farming into Town Planning
Case Studies: Aquaculture, Poultry and Dairy Farms
Lesson 6. Plant Farming Systems
Introduction to Plant Farming
Challenges of Urban Plant Farming
The Physical Environment
Services and Resources Access
Biosecurity & Health
In-Ground Growing
Containers
Soil Improvement
Roof-top Growing Systems
Adaptations for Indoor Systems
Vertical Growing Systems
Soil-less Crop Production Systems
Vertical Farming
Aeroponics
Propagation Techniques
Harvesting Techniques
How to Increase Productivity
Storage of Produce Pre-market
Lesson 7. Value Adding
Model of Business for Viability
Retail Services
Selling to Restaurants
Growing More in Small Spaces
Farmers Markets
Farm Tourism & Education Services
Marketing at Events
Volunteers, Grants and Skills Training
Preserving & Processing Produce
Producing Animal Feed
Manufacturing Produce and Other Goods
Lesson 8. Problem-Based Learning Project – Planning an Urban Farm
Plan establishment or ongoing improved operation of an urban farm.