Give Now  »

Indiana Public Media | WFIU - NPR | WTIU - PBS

Detroit Grows First Urban 'Agrihood'

Agrihoods are planned communities built around a farm or other local food source.

It's all good in the hood – if you're in Detroit's newest agrihood, that is.

The Michigan Urban Farming Institute this month debuted the country's first urban agrihood in the Detroit's Northend neighborhood. The agrihood is home to a two-acre garden and a 200-tree fruit orchard, from which produce is donated to the surrounding neighborhood, churches, and food pantries.

MUFI also announced it will renovate a 3,200-square-foot vacant building that will become an energy-efficient, sustainable Community Resource Center, two commercial kitchens, the first LEED-certified platinum building in Detroit, and a two-bedroom shipping container home.

Agrihoods – also known as Development Supported Agriculture (DSA) – offer residents and neighbors walkable spaces, access to local food, and agricultural and nutritional education opportunities. This alternative neighborhood model has been on the rise for a few years now, and there are over 200 nationwide.

Agrihoods outside of Detroit exist mostly in rural and suburban areas – like Agritopia in greater Phoenix, Serenbe in Georgia, Prairie Crossing in Grayslake, Illinois.

MUFI expects to complete the Detroit agrihood renovations in May 2017.

Read More:



  • America's first sustainable urban agrihood is growing in Detroit (Curbed)
  • Farm-to-Table Living Takes Root (New York Times)
  • Suburban Agrihoods Growing Community (Civil Eats)


Support For Indiana Public Media Comes From

About Earth Eats

Harvest Public Media