Results of lack of policies to encourage urban organic farming: A case study in two Brazilian cities

Urban organic farming is an important stimulus for cities' sustainable development, contributing to food security, environmental improvement, social inclusion, and income generation. This study aimed to assess the main difficulties faced by urban organic farmers in cities where there are no policies to encourage urban farming. Semi-structured interviews were applied from July to December 2018 with seven urban organic farmers who had adopted this practice as their profession. The results were examined with content analysis, detecting such gaps as lack of trained labor, lack of adequate machinery and equipment for this practice in small areas, and insufficient financing, all of which were similar to family organic farming. It is thus essential to expand policies to promote urban organic farming, addressing these issues to decrease the barriers and stimulate the profession.