Promoting Urban Agriculture: Insurance as an Important Tool

Abstract

As population density and climate change affect food supplies, urban agriculture becomes increasingly important. Insurance is just one component of managing the risks associated with these changes and of helping the agriculture sector adapt to them. Research to date indicates that insurance, public policy, and land use law must effectively be combined in order for urban agricultural initiatives to flourish. However, financial support is another crucial element that too often is overlooked. This article discusses the deployment of various insurance products as a means to facilitate and create incentives to encourage urban agriculture. This promising business may be promoted by adjusting existing insurance coverage, establishing local urban agriculture insurance programs, and incorporating risk analysis into urban land use planning.