By RFF

A Zero-Acreage Farm refers to a farming system that does not require traditional agricultural land for cultivation[1]. Instead, it leverages urban spaces, vertical farming, rooftop gardens, indoor farming, or other innovative methods to grow food without using conventional farmland. These systems aim to address challenges like land scarcity, urbanisation, and the environmental impacts of traditional agriculture.

The term Zero-Acreage Farming (Z-Farming) refers to agricultural practices conducted within urban settings that do not rely on traditional farmland. Instead, these practices utilise urban structures like rooftops, walls, and indoor spaces. Common methods include rooftop farms, hydroponic systems, vertical farming, and green walls. The goal is to integrate food production into urban areas, contributing to sustainability by reducing land usage and minimising food transportation distances.

One of the biggest issues is that space in cities is a hot commodity and, despite being a basic need, food production is not considered a top priority. Ergo, there is heavy competition. Without enough usable space, the benefits of urban agriculture are limited.

This is where zero-acreage farming, i.e. z-farming, comes into play. Z-farming utilizes non-conventional spaces like rooftops, old factory buildings, and vertical spaces. Accordingly, non-conventional growing methods like hydroponics or aquaponics are commonly used. Adopting alternative production methods serves to adapt food production based on the resources available. Urban agriculture may also utilise alternative spaces, such as rooftops or building walls. However, traditionally speaking, urban agriculture is dependent on soil and more traditional production practices[2].

The concept began to gain traction in academic and urban planning circles in the early 2010s. Research conducted between 2011–2013, including projects like Berlin’s ZFarm initiative[3], formally categorised and promoted these practices. The term started trending as urban agriculture and it became a focal point in discussions on sustainable cities, food security, and innovative farming technologies. Cities in North America, Europe, and Asia have been central to its development, expansion, and experimentation​.

Key Features of Zero Acreage Farming:

  1. Urban Integration: Typically located in cities, making use of underutilized spaces like rooftops, abandoned buildings, or even walls.
  2. Vertical Farming: Employs stacked layers or towers to maximize productivity in small spaces.
  3. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA): Uses advanced technologies like hydroponics, aeroponics, or aquaponics to grow plants in a highly controlled environment.
  4. Sustainability: Reduces the carbon footprint by minimising transportation needs, optimizing water and nutrient use, and often incorporating renewable energy sources.
  5. Focus on Local Food Production: Provides fresh, local produce to urban populations, reducing the dependency on long supply chains.

By rethinking the concept of farmland, Zero Acreage Farms play a crucial role in promoting sustainable food production and addressing food security in densely populated areas. In a recent scientific article published in “Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems”, Jan-Eelco Jansma from Wageningen University—a partner of the FOODCITYBOOST project—identifies six types of urban farming in Europe, with Zero Acreage Farming being one of them.

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[1] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/renewable-agriculture-and-food-systems/article/farming-in-and-on-urban-buildings-present-practice-and-specific-novelties-of-zeroacreage-farming-zfarming/B1B85E6F51C51DBF134879F8C7565461

[2] https://ecosystemsunited.com/2019/03/20/the-difference-between-z-farming-zero-acreage-and-urban-agriculture/

[3] https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/7/4/4511