5.4 Urban agriculture Stakeholders: Blue Island Residents
Likewise, the proliferation of green space will also lower the risk of severe flooding Timeline: 1-5 years, 5-10 years, as overall permeability 10+ years throughout Blue Island will improve. Urban agriculture is particularly well suited to decrease flooding because the soil is nutrientrich and can therefore Urban A g r i c u l t u r e hold more moisture. 68 Urban agriculture is a practice that can contribute to a more efficient use of energy and lead to innovative methods of energy usage. In New York City, urban agriculture can reduce UHI by 22%-44% through increasing green space.66 Even though Blue Island is less dense, a similar effect can be achieved. The majority of energy use in the food system occurs beyond the farm gate; the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that over 75% of energy use in the food system of high-income nations occurs after cultivation.67 Therefore, localized food systems contribute to a reduction in energy usage.
Introducing Urban Agriculture to Blue Island
allow for the creation of Community Supported Agriculture and mandates The first step that Blue Island that the Illinois LINK card be can take is to amend the accepted for food purchases. zoning code. Currently, urban Fostering Urban Agriculture agriculture is not allowed in Blue Island. Therefore, The Blue Island Planning the municipal code will be Department and the Park amended to include a new District can work to identify zoning category to allow this vacant lots that meet the practice (see Section 7.4). requirements for urban agriculture and utilize The zoning amendments designated municipally prioritizes equitable access owned parklands. Once a to the benefits of urban list is produced, Blue Island agriculture. The amendments can work with local nonprofits to establish a network of community gardens. This partnership will not only provide available land to these organizations but also offer support to access funding.
Fresh fruits and vegetables and a sign for the local c o m m u n i t y - s u p p o r te d agriculture scheme from the former Blue Island community farm, BIOS Farm. (BIOS Farm, 2019)
