A Sustainable Solution for Local Urban Agriculture

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At this Urban Sustainability Forum, find out how high tunnels could help improve access to affordable, nutritious foods in Philadelphia. High tunnels are nonelectric, temporary structures that consist of a layer of plastic over a pipe frame. These structures, however, are not greenhouses. They do not require a permanent heating or ventilation system, ventilation is accomplished manually, and there are no furnaces or fans. High tunnels can extend the growing season and improve the yield and quality of vegetables, small fruits, and cut flowers.

Urban farming is a fast-growing movement in the United States, especially in Philadelphia. As more than 86 percent of the U.S. population now resides in or around urban areas, the sustained use of urban farming could contribute to food security, food safety, and workforce development. Increased availability of fresh and nutritious food in urban areas could combat the alarming rise of obesity and thus reduce related healthcare costs in the United States. High tunnel projects could help eliminate Philadelphi's "food deserts," or urban areas lacking access to nutritious, affordable food, and provide more fresh and nutritious specialty crops to underserved populations.

Although it doesn't say, the keynote speaker for this event is Bill Lamont, wjl1@psu.edu, PSU Professor of Vegetable Crops. He's been working with the Philadelphia Co. Ext. Office and partners to put high tunnels around the city. I'm not sure who else will be speaking. (We gave a talk here too last year - January 20, 2011 "Healthy Homes in Toxic Times")

At the invitation of John Byrnes, we will have an information table in the lobby during the networking reception prior to this program.