Date of Award
Spring 2011
Thesis Type
Rollins Access Only
Degree Name
Master of Liberal Studies
Advisor(s)
Dr. Creston Davis
Abstract
This thesis paper identifies current challenges to urban farming and the development of "local identity" in America, including the loss of the neighborhood, the increase in genetically modified and industrial food, and the mass standardization of information outlets controlled by industry, government and media giants. The paper argues that these movements negatively affect local food markets and community progress, while proposing that agrarian urbanism is one of the most instinctive ways to create neighborhoods and instill community value. The appendix of the paper includes evidence of the author's volunteer work at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm in Tampa, Florida, which constitutes the bulk of the thesis project. This includes a kids' book the author designed called Growing with Sweetwater, an organic farming lesson outline for school teachers to integrate into existing science curricula, and logs of Sweetwater's inventory and seeding schedule in 2010.
Recommended Citation
Monteagut, Lorraine E., "Growing Pains: Current Challenges to Urban Farming and the Development of Local Identity" (2011). Master of Liberal Studies Theses. 3.
https://scholarship.rollins.edu/mls/3