Historically, agriculture was the foundation of the Great Lakes-Corn Belt's economy. For two centuries, this region was one of the most productive farming areas in the world. With corn and soybeans as their major crops, the majority of the farms were run by individual family farms. With fertile soils, adequate water availability, excellent transportation, technology, and favorable government policy, the productivity of the agricultural activities in this region attributed to these factors. By the end of the 19th century however, the economy of the Great Lakes and Corn Belt had become highly intertwined with agriculture, industry, as well as different services. Industrial production declines in many parts of this region due to manufacturing activity, leading the area to become known as the "Rust Belt." The Great Lakes and Corn Belt had become the leading heavy-industry region of North America.
Detroit and the Automobile Industry
Milwaukee and Beer Industry
Michigan and Kelloggs Cereal
New York City
It is obviously known that the economy of New York City is the largest in the world. It is home to the world's largest stock exchanges, is the leading business center in the United States, and is one of the most densely populated cities in the country. With so many diverse and various industries that make-up its economy, agriculture in an urban area could be overlooked by many people. Despite all this, New York is a leader in the practice of agriculture. In contrast to the Great Lakes and Corn Belt, New York City is actually and ironically, in progress of building up its agriculture industry.
Five Borough Farm, a project of the Design Trust For Public Space (an organization that aims to improve public space for New Yorkers), offers a guide to farmers, gardeners, city officials, and others to understand and be aware of the benefits of urban agriculture. It is a two phase project: Phase I was conducted from 2009-2012 with "Added Value," a non-profit organization whose goal is to promote sustainable development of community and environment by nurturing the younger generation. Phase II (since 2012-ongoing) is in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.
Urban agriculture is significantly growing in New York City, with more than 700 food-producing urban farms and gardens located throughout the city. In all of the five boroughs, people have transformed vacant lots, rooftops, school yards, and other various places into areas that grow food. Urban agriculture also offers other activities for participants: earning income at farmers markets, gather water from storms, compost food waste, gain leadership and job skills, get new knowledge about the environment and nutrition. They provide the city with health, economic, social, and ecological benefits.
The four types of urban agriculture:
Institutional farms and Gardens
Affiliated with an institution such as schools, hospitals, churches, prisons, etc, whose primary goal is not to produce food but to expand urban agriculture.
Commercial Farms
Commercial farmers try to grow crops to attain profitability yet still hold true to the goals of the urban agricultural community.
Community Gardens
These gardens are managed by local resident volunteers and located on publicly-owned land to grow food.
Community Farms
These are run by a nonprofit organization that involves the community in food production but also includes education and social programming.
http://www.nyfb.org/about_nyfb/
http://www.fiveboroughfarm.org/
http://added-value.org/
http://www.designtrust.org/projects/project_09farm.html
http://www.designtrust.org/