Urban sprawl threatens Melbourne’s foodbowl

A surpris?ing amount of our food comes from farms on the fringes of Melbourne city.

But a new study shows spiralling population growth is threatening the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Urban sprawl could decimate our foodbowl by 2050, the Deakin University study shows.

Dr Rachel Carey, researcher and research fellow on Foodprint Melbourne Project, said many Melburnians are not aware that much of our fresh produce is grown in the Werribee, Cranbourne and Bacchus Marsh areas.

‘The key thing is that we still protect these areas on the city fringe that are really important for food growing and maintain them as food growing space.’

LISTEN: Dr Rachel Carey speaks to Ross and John on 3AW Breakfast