Urban Agriculture and Food Sovereignty

CM credit hours for mobile workshops are awarded based on the planned dedicated instructional time. Adjustments to CM hours will not be made after the live event.

Detroit has over 1,400 farms. Although the city's urban farming dates to 1890, it has blossomed in the last twenty years. This grassroots movement responds to many residents' lack of access to fresh produce while taking advantage of the city's ample land, fertile soil, proximity to water, and strong communities.

As a Black-led and community-centered movement, Detroit urban agriculture increases access to healthy food, fosters environmental stewardship, and facilitates social cohesion, mutual aid, and self-determination. By sharing the legal and planning challenges faced by farmers and their successes, this tour exemplifies how food sovereignty creates healthier and more equitable communities.

Visit three farms - D-Town (Detroit's largest), Oakland Avenue, and Sanctuary; the Detroit Food Commons, a justice-oriented grocery co-op; and the Black Farmers Cooperative. Hear from leaders of Detroit's food-sovereignty movement and a community-development attorney about the challenges faced by urban agriculture, including formation and governance; real estate acquisition; financing; and compliance with land use, health and safety, and commercial codes. Using the experiences and expertise of urban farmers, come away with best practices to ensure local codes and regulations foster food sovereignty.