New Study Investigates Health Benefits of Living in Agrihoods

A recent study by Texas A&M University is exploring how living in an agrihood—a community designed around a working farm—can influence residents’ health. The research, led by Jay Maddock, a professor in the School of Public Health, will examine changes in diet, exercise, and overall well-being of individuals moving into the new Indigo Community in Fort Bend County, Texas. The study aims to determine if such a lifestyle can enhance health outcomes for its residents.

Located on a sprawling 235-acre site, Indigo features 42 acres dedicated to agriculture, including crop fields and livestock pastures. The development encourages walkability, with over half of the land designated for car-free green spaces. Maddock describes the Indigo project as a unique opportunity to collect data on how living near a working farm can affect community health. He stated, “The developers took everything we’ve known about what makes a healthy community and integrated it into this development.”

Agrihoods are still a relatively novel concept, with around 100 such communities planned or under development globally. Despite their growing popularity, there is limited scientific literature on their health benefits. The study will recruit 350 participants, consisting of 175 Indigo residents and 175 residents from a comparison community located approximately 20 miles away. This comparison community has similar demographics but lacks the agricultural features of an agrihood.

Participants will complete comprehensive surveys about their lifestyles before moving in, establishing a baseline for future comparisons. Follow-up surveys will be conducted at three and six months post-move. Maddock emphasized that key areas of focus include changes in physical activity and nutrition. The research team will also monitor various health indicators such as blood pressure and cholesterol using a mobile health assessment clinic.

To assess dietary habits, researchers will employ a “Veggie Meter” device, which estimates fruit and vegetable intake based on carotenoid levels in the skin. Additionally, participants will wear accelerometers to track physical activity levels. Maddock noted that many residents have expressed a desire to live near a working farm, which may enhance their connection to food sources and promote healthier lifestyles.

Social connectedness is another aspect the study will examine. Maddock pointed out that anecdotal evidence suggests residents may bond with each other and develop a stronger relationship with the farm. “This is a first-of-its-kind exploration,” he remarked, highlighting the potential of agrihoods to serve as models for urban development.

Maddock believes agrihoods can help bridge the gap between urban dwellers and their food sources. He noted that 40% of Americans have never met a farmer, which indicates a disconnect from food origins. By integrating farming into residential areas, agrihoods could foster community ties and promote healthier living.

The study will also include focus groups to gauge the residents’ engagement with community features. Maddock raised questions about how involved residents are with the farming aspects, such as consuming produce grown on-site. He also suggested that more urban animals, like chickens, could be integrated into future developments, contingent upon local regulations.

This 13-month study is co-led by Lexi MacMillan Uribe from AgriLife Research and Renee Umstattd Meyer from Baylor University, alongside a diverse team of co-investigators. It receives support from the Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture under agreement number 58-3091-1-018.

As this study unfolds, it may provide crucial insights into the health implications of living in agrihoods, ultimately guiding future urban planning initiatives and community design.