Michigan's Urban Farming

"Using agriculture as a platform to promote education, community, and sustainability we seek to reduce socioeconomic disparity." - The Michigan Urban Farming Initiative (MUFI). Detroit, MI

MUFI is a nonprofit organization looking to involve members of the community in sustainable agriculture practices.

Education - This statewide program strives to use farming and gardening as a tool for education. They are looking to solve future agricultural issues like food insecurity and urbanization.

Sustainability - The Initiative wants to shy away from the modern agricultural practices such as application of fertilizers and pesticides, monocultures, and reliance on fossil fuels. Grow and eat local!

Community - Building relationships between families and neighborhoods is vital to a more involved citizenry.

The most recent project for MUFI is the Brush Street Community Resource Center. The property was purchased in the fall of 2011 in Detroit, MI. The area had been in use from 1915 to 2009 as an apartment building, but was condemned. The goal of this project was to restore the existing buildings and renovate open areas. The focus its to create a model for sustainable living in an urban environment for all households present. An image of what it looks like is below.