Growing edible cities and towns: A survey of the Victorian urban agriculture sector

Abstract

Despite the diverse benefits of urban agriculture, there is limited research into urban agriculture as a sector in Victoria. This report presents findings from a survey of sector practitioners in greater Melbourne (including green wedge areas), Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong. The findings provide baseline data regarding the sector’s composition, activities, market channels, challenges, needs and aspirations, as well as opportunities for its support and growth. The report also proposes a roadmap for addressing critical challenges that face the sector and for building on the strength of its social and environmental commitments, informed by the survey findings and relevant academic literature on urban agriculture. This report’s findings and recommendations are of relevance to policymakers at all levels of government, especially as food security, climate change, human and ecological health and urban sustainability emerge as key interconnected priorities in this challenging decade.