Redefining Community Supported Agriculture:
An Urban Agriculture Policy Platform for Atlanta

Atlanta is on the cusp of becoming a national leader in urban agriculture. Urban agriculture will be a gamechanger for Atlanta, but will require active civic engagement in agriculture. This platform reflects innovative ideas and needs expressed by urban farmers and stakeholders to increase the amount of land under cultivation in Atlanta and increase access to fresh, local food and truly strive toward authentic community supported agriculture.

Metro Atlanta Food System Inventory

In 2012, ALFI conducted a Metro Atlanta Food System Inventory to assess the status of the local food system and document efforts made toward the 8 goals described in the ALFI Plan. The Inventory is a baseline assessment of the state of the food system in Metro Atlanta, which is important for recognizing strengths, identifying gaps, and measuring future progress in our local food system.

2nd ALFI Summit - November 8, 2012

Setting Atlanta's Table - updates coming soon!

1st AFLI Summit - May 1, 2009

Atlanta Local Food Forward Recap
The Atlanta Local Food Initiative held the Atlanta Local Food Forward summit to bring key stakeholders together to develop key action steps from The Plan for Atlanta's Sustainable Food Future. Below are notes and artwork from the keynote address by Bob Randall from the Urban Harvest in Houston and the summary Harvest of Ideas, as well as the notes from the breakout sessions on the 8 key goals of the plan:

Keynote Address (Julie Stuart's Visible Ideas)

ALFI's 8 Goals (Julie Stuart's Visible Ideas)

Harvest of Ideas (Julie Stuart's Visible Ideas)

Working Group Break Out Sessions - Flip Chart Notes

Supply

1. Increase sustainable farms, farmers and food production in Metro Atlanta.
2. Expand number of community gardens.
3. Encourage backyard gardens, edible landscaping, and urban orchards.

Consumption

4. Launch Farm-to-School programs (gardens, cafeteria food, and curriculum).
5. Expand cooking skills for simple dishes made from fresh, locally grown foods.
6. Develop local purchasing guidelines and incentives for governments, hospitals, and Atlanta institutions.

Access

7. Increase local, fresh food availability in underserved neighborhoods.
8. Increase and promote local food in grocery stores, farmers’ markets,
restaurants, and other food outlets.