Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Agriculture

Our Community Economic Development Program (CEDP) integrates vertical farming solutions with education, business development, and community engagement. The program helps communities build self-reliance and long-term economic resilience.

The CEDP provides scalable, low-cost farming solutions to help communities grow fresh, nutritious food while creating jobs and new economic opportunities. The program aims to:

Join us as we discover how urban farming is creating vibrant, resilient communities and growing a sustainable future—one farm at a time.

Why Communities Should Join

Our Community Economic Development Program takes communities through an iterative framework for achieving local food security, empowering residents, and driving sustainable economic growth. By joining the program, communities can establish resilient, community-owned vertical farms that reduce reliance on external supply chains, create new job opportunities, and reinvest in local development. This integrated approach equips individuals with essential skills, fosters innovative business models, and lays the groundwork for long-term prosperity.

Promote Local Food Security

• Establish community-based vertical farms to ensure reliable access to fresh produce.
• Reduce dependence on external food supply chains, lowering costs and improving availability.

Empower Communities

• Equip individuals with skills in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
• Provide the resources needed for communities to take control of their food production.

Foster Economic Growth

• Create jobs and business opportunities in farming, food sales, and local distribution.
• Develop sustainable revenue models that reinvest in the community.

Develop Sustainable Business Models

• Implement circular economic systems where profits support further community development, education, and farm expansion.
• Contribute to the growth of others.

How the program works

Our Community Economic Development Program (CEDP) is structured around four essential components that drive sustainability, empower communities, and foster economic growth. By integrating advanced vertical farming systems with comprehensive education and training, targeted market development, and a disciplined revenue reinvestment strategy, the program builds resilient, community-owned food systems that deliver long-term value.

1

Vertical Farming Systems

Our farming units are designed for cost efficiency, high productivity, and ease of maintenance. Tailored to local climates and resources, our methods and systems ensure maximum output and are structured for community ownership and long-term sustainability.

1

Education & Training

We provide hands-on workshops and micro-credential programs that develop vital skills in vertical farming, sustainability, and business management. Our initiatives engage schools, youth programs, and community groups, empowering emerging leaders to expand and enhance local farming efforts.

1

Market Development

Our program offers expert support to successfully market locally grown produce through channels such as markets, schools, restaurants, and retailers. We also guide the development of direct-to-consumer sales strategies and promote cooperative models to strengthen the local food economy.

1

Revenue Reinvestment

A disciplined reinvestment framework ensures that profits are allocated to sustain ongoing impact. One-third of revenues supports labor costs for community-managed operations, one-third funds the expansion of farming systems and local initiatives, and the remaining third is reinvested in continuous training, technical support, and system upgrades.

The benefits of community-led urban farming

By bringing food production closer to home, the program delivers a wide range of economic, social, and environmental benefits.

This is about more than farming, it's about reinvigorating communities with food systems knowledge, tools and capabilities for the modern age.

Economic Benefits

• Employment opportunities in farming, sales, and logistics.
• Support for small-scale farming enterprises.
• Profits stay in the community, boosting the local economy.

Social Benefits

• Skills in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and leadership.
• Strengthens local bonds and collaboration.
• Access to fresh, healthy produce for local families.

Environmental Benefits

• Reduction in food miles and carbon footprint.
• Water-saving aeroponic farming techniques.
• Helps communities adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Together, we bridge the gap between technology and traditional knowledge, ensuring that urban farming solutions are practical, scalable, and culturally inclusive.

Real-world impact that transforms communities

AUG’s Community Economic Development Program has already made a significant impact in communities by:

Engaging Youth in Sustainable Careers

• Providing job training to reduce unemployment.
• Inspiring interest in agriculture, sustainability, and business

Improving Health & Wellbeing

• Increasing access to nutritious, locally grown produce.
• Encouraging healthy eating habits and food independence.

Building Economic Resilience

• Reducing reliance on external food supply chains.
• Creating self-sustaining business models for long-term community benefit.

Want to bring sustainable farming to your area?

Contact AUG to learn how to start a community-led vertical farm. Partners and sponsors looking to support local economic development should collaborate with us to fund and expand this game-changing initiative.

Individuals can also join our training programs and become leaders in community-based sustainable food production. Visit our website or schedule a consultation with our team. Let’s grow a stronger, more sustainable future together!