From urban farming programs to youthful entrepreneurship endeavors, horticultural social enterprises meld diverse agriculture initiatives with a social mission. It is a term that the Social Business editorial team first learned from a recent YouTube video featuring Cultivate London's General Manager, Adrienne Attorp, but it can be used widely.
As city's become more and more condensed and gentrified, there will be more need and desire to create alternative communities that also produce healthy fruit and vegetables. Flowers are also an important part of being on this planet and they are something that these horticultural social enterprises take quite seriously. Whether you like to get your hands dirty in the garden yourself or you simply appreciate a fresh herb, the goal here is to simply live a greener life -- and that means supporting programs that help to create positive social change.
44 Horticultural Social Enterprises
From Urban Farming Programs to Youthful Entrepreneurship:
Social Business Editor — May 27, 2014 — Social Good
43
Urban Farming Partnerships
BrightFarms Takes Downtown Gardening to New Levels
42
Indoor Reclaimed Farms
The Plant Chicago is a Food Business Incubator
41
Farm Fuel Pickup Services
Bootstrap Compost Collects Kitchen Scraps From Homes and Cafes
40
Revitalizing Compost Companies
Detroit Dirt Utilizes Unused Pieces of Land for Urban Farms
39
Education-Funding Agriculture
Planting Promise is a Business-Oriented Charity in Sierra Leone
38
Labor-Oriented Cacoa Production
The Dandelion Chocolate Bars Team Focuses on Employment Standards
37
Women-Focused Eco Programs
Backpack Farm is an African-Based Entrepreneurship Supporter
36
Online Foodie Marketplaces
FarmersWeb Connects Producers and Buyers in the NY Tri-State Area
35
Micro-Farms
Abalimi Bezekhaya is an Example of Bottom-up Entrepreneurship
34
Community Produce Narratives
Food Connect Brisbane Invites You to Know More About Your Meal
33
Organic Food Fighters
Stonyfield Farms' 'Be a Food Superhero' Campaign Advises Healthy Eating
32
Youthful Entrepreneur Projects
'Social Enterprise Africa' Trains Ethical Changemakers
31
Online Farming Enterprises (UPDATE)
MyFarm.com Allows You to Control Land Using FarmVille Tactics
30
Socially Conscious Vertical Harvesting
VHJH Introduces Efficiency & Job Opportunities
29
Mission-Driven Food Distributors
Common Market Works with Local and Sustainable Farming
28
Organic Food Delivery Software
Bucky Box Makes It Easier for Businesses and Customers
27
Food Desert Distributors
The Corbin Hill Road Farm Supplies Fresh Produce to Those in Need
26
Weekly Aquaponic Deliveries
Blacktop Bloom is a Social Enterprise and Urban Farm
25
Outdoorsy Art Centers
Stepney City Farm Encompasses a Shop, Food Market, Cafe, Crafts and Animals
24
Social Sri Lankan Seasonings
The Spicy Gourmet Supports Small Farmers Through Fair Trade
23
Local Food Movements
SPUD.ca and SPUD.com Stock Your Fridge with Organic Groceries
22
Job-Training Urban Farms
Cultivate London is a Social Enterprise Growing with Community
21
Legal Advice for Farmers
Farm Commons is a Non-Profit Organization with Echoing Green Support
20
Holistic Food Experiences
Aya Community Markets is an Organic Nourishment in Dc
19
Micro Forestry Startups
KOMAZA Creates Sustainable Economic Opportunities for Farmers in Africa
18
Tourist-Attracting Sustainable Infrastructure
Corn Cow Inc. Improves New York's Rural Subsistence
17
Cassava Beer
The SABMiller 'Eagle' is the Company's Ghanaian Brew
16
Indian Water-Saving Technology
GEWP Allows Farmers to Yield More Crops and Create More Jobs
15
Small Farmer Food Products
Equal Exchange Offers Fair Trade Goods Through Long-Term Partnerships
14
Labor-Reducing Dairy Farms
Arohana Works in India to Reduce Dependency
13
Indian Organic Farming Promotion
Krishi Naturals Works with Farmers to Support Biodiversity
12
Self-Sustaining Farms
One Acre Fund Trains Local Farmers on How to Grow Crops Effectively
11
Ethical Organic Java Beans
The Stonepound Coffee Company Brings Eco-Friendly Joe to Toronto
10
Holistic Farming Companies
Coombe Farm Comprises of Enterprises and Business Partnerships
9
Sustainable Agro Advocacy
Agriculture for Impact is an Initiative Calling on European Government
8
Green Java Distributors
Sustainable Harvest Coffee Importers Helps Farmers Succeed
7
Small Food Economies
Principle Six Emphasizes Farmers and Locally Grown Products
6
Youth Ecotherapy Retreats
Jamie's Farm is an Agricultural Recovery Experience for At-Risk Kids
5
Organic Food Giveaways
The NYFoods Egg Change Project Fosters the One-for-One Model
4
Remote Agriculture Broadcasts
The Smallholders Farmers Rural Radio Supports Communities in Nigeria
3
Agricultural Data Collectors
Acopio Does Necessary Work for Coffee Producers in Latin America
2
Farm Share Directories
Locally Sourced is an Online Resource Based in Toronto, Canada
1
Urban Farm Networks
Fresh City is a Toronto-Based Social Enterprise
Related Ideas
Pop-Up Urban Microfarms
The 'GrowUp Box' Automatically Raises Fish and Plants in a Small Area
Weaved Ethical Jewelry
Love Heals Plants Trees and Fosters Economic Development
Mobile Metropolitan Microfarms
The Bowery Project Uses Vacant Lots to Support Urban Agriculture
Compact Home Farm Kits
The Modular Chicken Coop Enables Backyard Urban Agricultural Setups
Grocery Store-Themed Runways
The Chanel Fall 2014 Fashion Show Had a Bold Grocery Store Setting
Chic Composting Bags
The Bacsac Composting Bag Holds Organic Waste in Stylish Geo-Fabric
Stylish Pod Accommodations
The Qbic Hotel by Blacksheep is Made for Budget Savvy Travellers
Disassemblable Urban Gardens
The Hochbeet Planter is Perfect for the Nomadic City Dweller
Self-Sterilizing Compost Containers
The Greenlid Compost Bin Can be Disposed Outdoors
Enchanted Forest Interiors
My Money Park Branches have Atmospheres Enriched with Imagination
Sustainable Conference Companies
15Hatfields is a Social Enterprise That Offers Spaces Big & Small
Upcycled Shipping Container Abodes
GM's Shipping Container House Will Recycle from Its Factories
Remote Healthcare Technologies
iKure is a Kolkata-Based Delivery Platform for India
Biodegradable Bread Bags
NatureFlex's Biodegradable Bag, Wrapper and Films Keep Bread Fresh
Local Grocery Deliveries
Farm2Me lets You Browse Online and Get Goodies to Your Doorstep
Trio-Aligned Sustainable Shops
EchoStore is Run by Three Women in the Philippines
Reviewed Green Products
Vine.com Offers Sustainable Product Delivery
Salad Vending Machines
The Farmer's Fridge Provides Healthy, Eco-Friendly Food On-The-Go
Urban Chicken Coops
This Modern Chicken Coop Helps City Dwellers Get Farm Fresh Eggs
Small-Format Food Shopping
Stockbox Neighborhood Grocery Attempts to Provide Access
Solar-Powered Gardening Robots
The Vitirover is an Eco-Friendly Way to Keep Your Garden Groomed
Honeyfied Body Butters
The Body Shop Honey Collection is Socially Responsible
Energy-Converting Receptacles
The Revive Makes Food Waste Recycling Practical and Functional
Change-Focused Mobile Markets
My Street Grocery Aims to Further the Local Food Economy
Bike-Delivered Organic Java
Peace Coffee is a Fair Trade Brew Company in Minneapolis
Revitalizing Compost Companies
Detroit Dirt Utilizes Unused Pieces of Land for Urban Farms
Fair Trade Sri Lankan Toys
'Lanka Kade' is a Family-Run Social Enterprise for Kids
Collaborative Food Drives
The Stamp Out Hunger Drive Helps to End Hunger Across America
Charitable Airport Regulations
The Frankfurt Airport Recycling Bank Makes Giving Up Bottles Easier
Cartoons in Real Photographs
Calvin and Hobbes Walls by Nite4awk Bring Them Into the Real World
Micro-Farms
Abalimi Bezekhaya is an Example of Bottom-up Entrepreneurship
Sustainable Hand-Carved Sweets
The Taza Chocolate Company Uses Eco-Friendly Growing Methods
Cooperative Banks
Rabobank is an Old Institution That Funds Sustainable Business
Garden-Monitoring Apps
The Harvest Matching App Watches Your Urban Farm So You Don't Have To
Mission-Driven Food Distributors
Common Market Works with Local and Sustainable Farming
Healthy Economy Books
'Creating Good Work' by Ron Schultz Expands the Conversation
Sustainable Food Philosophies
River Cottage is a Social and Environmental Business
Weekly Aquaponic Deliveries
Blacktop Bloom is a Social Enterprise and Urban Farm
Sustainable Shade Systems
Skyshade is an Indian Social Business Capturing the Sun
Green Coal Options
Eco-Fuel Africa Works on Creating Sustainable Energy Technologies
Disposable Parametric Planters
Paper Vase is a Simple Captivating Cover for an Insipid Stem Holder
Non-Synthetic Candies
'Pure Fun' Offers Fair Trade, Organic and Vegan Treats
Indian Bike-Sharing Schemes
Cycle Chalao Had to Close Due to Lack of Government Support
Member-Driven Advocacy Organizations
The Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth
Legal Advice for Farmers
Farm Commons is a Non-Profit Organization with Echoing Green Support
Dairy Farming e-Businesses
Akashganga Creates Technologies for Cooperatives in India
Holistic Food Experiences
Aya Community Markets is an Organic Nourishment in Dc
Independent Travel Itineraries
Global Basecamps is an Ethical and Environmental Company
Cassava Beer
The SABMiller 'Eagle' is the Company's Ghanaian Brew
Carbon-Free Coffee Roasters
Grounds for Change Offers a Fair Trade, Organic & Shade-Grown Brew
Preventative Fire Campaigns
The Anchor by Panasonic Smoke Alarm Ad Stops Them When They're Small
Debt-Countering Start-up Apprenticeships
Enstitute Matches Young Entrepreneurs with Founders
Sustainable Slumber Manufacturers
Abaca Producers Organic Beds and Mattresses with Welsh Wool
Intercropped Smallholder Farming
Shegole Coffee Cooperative Initiative Supports Food Crops Too
Ethical Sanitary Napkins
Azadi Aims to Create and Distribute Biodegradable Pads to Women in India
Labor-Reducing Dairy Farms
Arohana Works in India to Reduce Dependency
Incentive-Based Recycling Programs
Wecyclers Uses Text Messaging to Create an Eco Point System
Indian Organic Farming Promotion
Krishi Naturals Works with Farmers to Support Biodiversity
Human Development Non-Profits
Dreaming Out Loud Fosters Impact-Driven Social Enterprises in DC
Social Enterprise Irrigation Systems
Driptech is a International Water Technologies Company
Social Innovation Campuses
The LAB Miami Is Bringing Startup Culture to Southern Florida
Local Food Deliveries
Mama Earth Organics Lets You Choose Weekly or Bi-Weekly Produce Baskets
Women-Focused Health Technologies
Zubaida Bai's AYZH is an India-Based Social Venture
Talent-Focused Education
The Amani Institute is a 2013 Echoing Green Fellowship Finalist
Holistic Farming Companies
Coombe Farm Comprises of Enterprises and Business Partnerships
Rainforest-Focused Apparel
Cuipo Concentrates Efforts to Protecting the South American Landscape
Sustainable Agro Advocacy
Agriculture for Impact is an Initiative Calling on European Government
Localized Travel Companies
Adventure Alternative is a Vision of Responsible Tourism
Fair Trade Consumer Coffee Tours
Bean There Coffee Company Brings the Drinker to the African Field
Green Java Distributors
Sustainable Harvest Coffee Importers Helps Farmers Succeed
Biodiversity Contests
The Tropical Forest Challenge Looks for For-Profit Social Innovations
Sliding-Scale Organic Restaurants
Pay What You Want at 'Lentil As Anything' Locations in Melbourne
Youth Innovation Mentorships
Startup Corps Engages Students in Social Enterprise in Philadelphia
Small Food Economies
Principle Six Emphasizes Farmers and Locally Grown Products
Green Energy Upgrading Companies
'Effortless Energy' Invests in Homes and Shares in Savings
Health-Promoting Pet Food
OrganiPets Uses Local and Hypo-Allergenic Ingredients
Laura Cummins, VP of Brand Values for The Body Shop
A Sampling of the New Body Shop Body Butters
Community-Ownership Organizations
Plunkett Foundation Works in Rural Parts of the United Kingdom
Awareness-Raising Business Networks
Social Enterprise West Midlands is a Top Consultancy
Micro-Lending Web Platforms
Lendwithcare.org Works with The Co-operative
Social Firm Community Cafes
Frogmeadow Reinvents the Labor Market in the United Kingdom
Remote Agriculture Broadcasts
The Smallholders Farmers Rural Radio Supports Communities in Nigeria
Fresh Seafood Subscriptions
Catchbox is a Non-profit That Weekly Delivers Freshly Caught Seafood
Teen Environmental Activist Groups
Youth L.E.A.D. Miami Educates Students On Food Justice Issues
Car Rental Cooperatives
Moorcar is a Social Enterprise Fostering Community Initiatives
Animal Habitat Consultancies
Acer Ecology is a Social Enterprise Working All Over the UK
Closed Loop Plant Systems
Aquaponics UK is a Social Enterprise Tackling Waste, Food and Energy
Activist-Driven Neighbourhoods
'Thriving Communities' is an Alternative Way to See the World
Co-op Consultancies
Co-operative and Mutual Solutions Ltd. Works Internationallly
Wholesome Wildlife-Inspired Snacks
BEAR Nibbles Use Unaltered Fruit and Recyclable Packaging
Boreal Forest Coffee Roasters
Bean North is a Social Enterprise Near Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
Social Innovation Incubators
Affinity Lab is a Shared Working Space and Platform in DC
Co-op Representatives
The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) Brings Members Together
Pruning Preservation Enterprises
Acacia Tree Surgery Works in Both the Public and Private Spheres
Annual Summer Co-op Festivals
The Co-operatives Fortnight is a UK-Based Campaign
Worksite Information Forums
LaborVoices, Inc. Attempts to Foster Accountability and Transparency
Urban Farm Networks
Fresh City is a Toronto-Based Social Enterprise
Hybrid Vegetable Vines
The TomTato Plant Produces Both Tomatoes and Potatoes