The interrelationship between urban spaces and their surroundings has a long and significant tradition, particularly with regards to food and food production systems. The specific design of the food system, consisting of cultivation, processing, refining and marketing, is subject to very different regional conditions and additionally, to changing societal influences. This article will present the history and the diversity of urban agriculture. In addition, current perspectives from research will be featured, highlighting how urban agriculture can make an important contribution to solving some of the key societal challenges of the future.