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Public produce is a type of foodscaping and urban agriculture wherein food (fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs) is cultivated in public spaces, and freely accessible to the public. Public produce differs from commercial, residential, or community-gardening, which have private or restricted access.[1] Public produce is integrated into urban landscaping, and unlike commercial, residential, or community gardens, public produce occupies true public spaces. Public produce may exist anywhere traditional public landscaping exists, such as in parks, plazas, or town squares; along streets; or on the grounds of public institutions, such as city halls, courthouses, libraries, and schools.[2]
The term public produce was coined by Darrin Nordhal, author of Public Produce: The New Urban Agriculture, in 2009. In Public Produce, Nordhal describes the three defining characteristics of public produce:
1. The food must be grown in true public space (parks, plazas, streets, or any space where all members of the public are welcome);
2. The food must be freely available to all members of the public; and
3. The garden is permitted, funded, and/or maintained by public officials.[3]
Urban agriculture is an emerging practice with social and environmental benefits, and it is attracting increased interest from the international community.[1] Despite emerging interest in public produce, the concept is not new. In times of war and economic distress, communities around the world have adopted public garden practices. During World War II, for example, the Victory gardens in North America, Europe, and Australia were established to relieve hunger and food stress, promote social equity, and boost morale.[4] Public produce in the 21st century continues to meet the aims of earlier versions of public gardens, which are to bolster a community's supply of fresh produce and promote social equity.