Food for urban spaces: The development of urban food production in England and Wales

Abstract

This paper considers the gradual re‐emergence of urban food production initiatives in the local authorities of England and Wales. A typology of local authority actions is constructed which links urban food initiatives to broader Local Agenda 21 processes and community participation initiatives. Several key dimensions are identified which need to be assembled in local authorities if urban food production is to become more widespread. These include: the development of the enabling role of local authorities, the commitment of member involvement, seeing urban food production as a central element in progressing sustainable and community development, developing a more proactive and integrated planning policy which develops capacity and reverses the steady decline in allotment provision. Making the links between food production, community involvement and effective land‐use planning strategies is a key element in progressing food production and reducing the conception of urban food production as simply a contradiction in terms. This will involve the engagement of local authorities, and particularly planning in the broader aspects of the politics and local economy of food currently emerging amongst urban consumers.