Urban and Agricultural Communities: Opportunities for Common Ground

CAST papers are the foundation of CAST’s science communication work. Developed by expert-led task forces, these peer-reviewed publications translate agricultural science into trusted insights that inform policy, guide public understanding, and fuel CAST programs, dialogues, and educational initiatives.

Search Publications

May 10, 2002
Task Force Report

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62300/zvbp0f81

Task Force Chairs

Lorna Michael Butler

College of Agriculture, Departments of Sociology and Anthropology, Iowa State University

Dale M. Maronek

Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Oklahoma State University

Authors

Nelson Bills

Department of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University

Tim D. Davis

Texas A&M University Research and Extension Center

Julia Freedgood

American Farmland Trust

Frank M. Howell

Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, Mississippi State University

John Kelly

Public Service and Agriculture, Clemson University

Lawrence W. Libby

Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, The Ohio State University

Kameshwari Pothukuchi

Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Wayne State University

Diane Relf

Department of Horticulture, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

John K. Thomas

Department of Rural Sociology, Texas A&M University and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Stations

Paul B. Thompson

Department of Philosophy, Purdue University

Abstract

The changing role of agriculture in urban settings is considered in this comprehensive report written by a twelve-member task force. The report frames "urban agriculture" in both historical and contemporary American society, providing a picture of geographic, demographic, and economic changes in rural and metropolitan life. Policy issues such as land preservation, alternative market opportunities, sprawl, taxation, and food security are considered. Research and educational challenges are presented for consideration by those at institutions of higher education, including land-grant universities.

Downloads & Resources

Help Support CAST!

Your donation to CAST helps support the CAST mission of communicating science to meet the challenge of producing enough food, fiber and fuel for a growing population. Every gift, no matter the size, is appreciated.

Donate Today