Nicole, a mental health counselor from California now based in France, blends therapy with nature through her vertical farm, Txiki Green. Located in Biarritz, Txiki Green provides fresh, live microgreens to local communities while emphasizing sustainability with carbon-neutral deliveries. Nicole’s approach to mental health care includes “nature walk and talk” therapy sessions, offering clients a space to heal while fostering a deeper connection to the environment.

Urban Biologist, a composting initiative in Bali, is transforming waste management with its innovative approach. Processing 3000 kg of organic waste daily, the organization turns it into 4-5 tons of nutrient-rich compost each month. With 700 clients, including homes, restaurants, and schools, Urban Biologist fosters a community committed to sustainability, reducing methane emissions and enhancing soil health while educating locals on eco-friendly practices for a greener future.

City Sprouts, founded by Simone Lim during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforms urban spaces into thriving green communities. The initiative promotes urban farming as a way to reconnect people with nature and build stronger communities. It offers unique learning experiences for children, teaching them about food origins and sustainability. Urban farming is seen as crucial for addressing future food demands and educating the next generation. Despite challenges, City Sprouts focuses on creating vibrant community hubs that foster sustainability and connection with nature.

Li Yen Chong shares her journey in urban farming at Urban Hijau, focusing on food security and sustainability in Malaysia. Starting as a response to the lack of fresh produce for vulnerable communities during the pandemic, her efforts expanded into composting initiatives and education programs for children. Read about the work of Urban Hijau to address food waste, promote local agriculture, and inspire the next generation to engage with nature.

Nic Goh transitioned from large-scale commercial farming in Cambodia to transforming Singapore’s urban spaces. His innovative rooftop farm addresses food security while teaching sustainable agriculture. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Nic embraced Singapore’s call to boost local food production. Now, he helps communities across Southeast Asia grow their own food, showcasing the potential of urban farming to tackle food crises and promote sustainability.

Angie Mead is revolutionising urban farming in the Philippines by combining innovative vertical farming techniques with sustainable practices like vermiculture and aquaponics. Her unique approach to farming efficiency includes centralising nutrient distribution systems and redesigning greenhouses to combat climate challenges. Dedicated to education, Angie shares her expertise through social media and conferences, inspiring others to grow their own food and promoting accessible, healthy eating with tools like sprouting jars.

Fresh Roots, a Black, woman-owned urban farm in ohio, is transforming food access in underserved neighborhoods. Led by Jada, the farm empowers families with the skills to grow their own produce, promoting food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. Through hands-on education, Jada teaches children the importance of food origins while helping local families cultivate home gardens, fostering healthier communities and greater self-reliance.

Chris from The Freestyle Farmer turned his city upbringing in Singapore into a global urban farming mission. After discovering a passion for food cultivation in 2013, he pioneered micro farms on rooftops and in unexpected urban spaces. His work has impacted communities across Asia and Europe, promoting sustainable living. Chris also inspires the younger generation, helping children develop a deeper connection to food and encouraging mindfulness in their consumption habits.

Urban farming educator Robyn Natsuko Shinozaki uses city spaces in Japan to reconnect communities with nature and teach the value of patience. In Tokyo, where traditional farming is rare, Robyn's approach shifts the focus from food production to education, helping people understand the time and effort behind growing food. Through hands-on workshops, she emphasises trial and error as part of the learning process, while collaborating with traditional farmers to preserve their knowledge. Through creating a deeper connection to agriculture, Robyn’s work nurtures resilience and adaptability, ensuring future generations value both food and community.

Roc, founder of Corridor Farmers in Singapore, transitioned from aviation to urban farming during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a simple effort to help his mother engage with a community garden evolved into a mission to connect people through agriculture. Roc’s work now focuses on creating and managing urban farms, offering workshops, and promoting sustainable food systems. His projects, like the rooftop garden at the Canadian International School, highlight the potential of urban farming to create community and inspire environmental awareness.

Did you know there is a critical link between walkability and urban farming? This prevents food deserts, which are very common in the US and fosters equitable communities. In many countries, walkability is a privilege, with limited access to grocery stores and an over-reliance on convenience stores and fast food. Annika’s vision challenges this by promoting urban farming as a solution, creating walkable neighborhoods where fresh food is within reach and food deserts become a thing of the past.

Urban farming is a powerful tool for building connections and supporting immigrant communities. Alex Hannah, based in the UK, shares his experience with urban farming. He highlights how it brings people together through cooking workshops, allowing cultures to meet, share, and connect over meals. Through this work, urban farming becomes a platform for cultural exchange, community building, and nurturing future change-makers, especially the next generation of environmentally aware children.

Food security and developing a sense of community are often related to urban farming. But did you know it has also helped places recover from conflict? At Huerto Tatlelolco, kids and adults find a cooler space to escape the city, connect with nature and heal the past.

Carob House, located in Madaba, Jordan was founded by Rakan. They run a zero-waste restaurant, café, and cultural space, with an emphasis on restoring soil health and sustainable food production. Despite challenges like soil degradation and water scarcity in Jordan, Rakan’s practical, hands-on approach has enabled Carob House to thrive while promoting traditional foods and sustainable practices to the local community.