Keeling Curve

Project Summary / Description:

In 2014, Fleet Farming was founded through the IDEAS For Us event called The Hive in Orlando, Florida. At this monthly think-and-do event, local leaders and community members gathered to discuss the agricultural issues facing our society today. They discussed issues such as the average plate of food in the U.S. traveling up to 1,500 miles from farm to plate and the global industrial food system contributing to ~30% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, there are 40 million acres of lawns in the United States. Community members joined together in local action to transform our agriculture systems transforming an underutilized resource into a major food producer for our local community. Chris Castro rallied community members to create the first Fleet Farming micro farms and ignited the local food movement in Orlando.

In creating Fleet Farming, we recognized that global transportation and energy costs of food production can be diverted by establishing a network of local food systems. When cities are able to feed themselves locally, the overall health of communities and their environment is improved. Further developing the project means increasing the number of micro farms- we‚ ve had over 2,500 of requests for farmlettes and installs throughout Central Florida since 2014.

Best Estimate of GHG Avoidance/Reduction of This Project (Tonnes CO2 Equivalent/Year):

Mission Statement:

IDEAS For Us creates global environmental solutions through local action. Our mission is to develop, fund and scale solutions to the world‚ most pressing environmental and social challenges. Our vision is to contribute to a future where humanity thrives in harmony with nature and in peace with one another. IDEAS For Us is the official parent-nonprofit of multiple programs: The Hive, Fleet Farming, and The Solutions Fund. IDEAS For Us has funded over 100 projects in over 20 countries around the world with an emphasis on local action in Central Florida. 

Fleet Farming is an urban agriculture program of IDEAS that is changing the cycle of local food systems. Our mission is to increase local food accessibility, creating a healthier and more connected world. We value being a solution to hunger in food deserts as we create pathways to healthy food in a zero-carbon model. Fleet Farming is creating an alternative food system centered around people, planet, and health to ensure the sustainability of food security in our community.

Link: Facebook:

Website(s): http://www.ideasforus.org; http://www.FleetFarming.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fleetfarming/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fleetfarming YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/fleetfarming