Rooftop Farming in Asia

 The largest rooftop farm in Asia is highlighted in the link below. This rooftop farm can produce over 20 tons of food annually. We encourage you to explore the piece linked and be sure to click on the cluster of images that will take you to a slide show with further information. We have provided discussion questions below to spark conversation with others around the globe.

Asia's Largest Organic Rooftop

Discussion Points

• What was most surprising and/or intriguing regarding the rooftop farm and why?
• Describe the different environmental benefits of this featured rooftop farm?
• Would a rooftop farm like this be accepted in your home country, state, or city? Why or why not?
• How could you take various concepts from this rooftop farm and utilize in different settings around your local community and/or around the world? Get creative!

Urban Agriculture and Puerto Rico

In past years Puerto Rico has been ravaged by hurricanes and storms. As Puerto Rico works to rebuild agriculture production a recent study emphasizes the importance of urban agriculture to Puerto Rico. We invite you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe!

Urban Agriculture Development in Puerto Rico

Discussion Points

• What are the benefits of urban agriculture in Puerto Rico according to the study?
• What are the challenges urban agriculture is facing in Puerto Rico?
• How do you suggest that those in Puerto Rico turn these challenges into opportunities?
• What does urban agriculture look like in your home area/community? Are there benefits? Does it exist? Do you see an increased need?  Explain all responses.

China and Rooftop Agriculture

About a month ago I came across an interesting article that I wanted to share. The article linked below describes a rooftop farm in China. Along with the article two videos are shared. The first video gives you an up close look at the rooftop garden that is featured in China. The second video discusses agriculture practices and policy in China. I encourage you to read the article and watch the two videos included in the article and discuss the points below.

Sky-high farms: Rooftop agriculture growing in popularity

Video 1: Sky-high Farms

• How is this rooftop farm connecting urban populations to agriculture?
• Would something like this be successful in your home country, state, or local community?
• Rooftop gardens are becoming more common, but what is your thought on adding animals to this rooftop farm?

Video 2: China's Agriculture Sector

• What factors are causing a shift in agriculture production and practices within China?
• How is China looking to modernize farms and why is this needed?
• What is China's stance on GMO's? May their stance be changing moving forward?
• How does land ownership work in China?

Let the conversations begin! Discuss in your classrooms, coffee shops, and communities around the world!

Farming in the Sky

Urban farming is gaining momentum across the globe and this is evident in the Netherlands which now claims fame to the largest urban farm in Europe. Urban Farmers, the company behind this urban farm, hope to provide 900 families along with local restaurants and a cooking school with vegetables and fish. Read the linked article below detailing this project and utilize the discussion points provided to create conversations in your classrooms and communities.

Greenhouse in the Sky

Discussion Points

• Why is there a demand for urban farms like this around the world? 
• Why is there great potential to replicate this type of production?
• Explain the aquaponics system explained in this article and the efficiency that it brings.
• Do you see something like this taking off in your local community? Explain.
• Discuss the proposal by a hog farmer to integrate hog production into the urban scene? Do you think one day this will be accomplished? Explain.
• Is urban farming a fad? React to the following statement from the article: “I always refer to the debates about parks in the city in the past. I think in 100 years, urban agriculture will be as normal as the city parks we have today.”

Farms in a Box

This week we are featuring a story from CNN that was shared last summer, but is still a hot topic. It takes a look at some innovators who are farming in boxes. There is a short article, but also includes a two minute video that explains how the systems work and what is being grown. Check out the linked video and article and then use the discussion points to engage in conversations around the globe!

Farms in a Box

Discussion Points

• Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of producing vegetables and food in this manner. 
• Explain how the "farm in a box" work,
• What role does technology play in these freight farms?
• How could this method of farming help address the issue of food insecurity?
• How would this method of farming be perceived in your local community? Explain.
• Brainstorm other methods similar to this that could be used in agriculture. Share these ideas and discuss the possibilities!