Calum Jacques recently published Master of Planning (Science) thesis, Agriculture as an Amenity: A Case Study of Peri-Urban Farmland in Tokyo, Japan, examines how small-scale farming continues to exist within Tokyo’s expanding urban landscape. Unlike many North American cities where urban development often displaces agriculture, Tokyo has managed to preserve pockets of farmland that serve multiple roles, including food production, education, and disaster preparedness. Through interviews with ten farmers and four experts, the study explores the effectiveness of policies like the Productive Green Land Act and inheritance tax exemptions in supporting these agricultural spaces. While such measures have helped maintain farmland, the research indicates that these areas remain vulnerable to urban pressures and may face decline without further support.

This research highlights the importance of integrating agriculture into urban planning to enhance community resilience and sustainability. Tokyo’s approach offers valuable insights for other cities, such as those in Ontario, seeking to balance urban growth with the preservation of green spaces. The study suggests that strong property rights, supportive policies, and community engagement are crucial for sustaining peri-urban agriculture in the face of ongoing urbanization.