Author: Amy Michaels

Market Ready Producer Training

MarketReady is a day long training Presented by the Direct Food & Agricultural Marketing Team. This training covers the sale of locally produced foods to Restaurants, Grocers, Wholesalers, and Direct to Consumers. The training includes information on how to approach and interact with various market channels. Key business functions included are the unique needs for different market channels including invoicing, ordering, insurance needs, packaging and much more. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Franklin County, Ohio Extension office. Pre-registration is required by March 15. Click here for the flier and follow this link to register.

Sourced from: The Ohio State University Extension

Urban Agriculture in Ohio Cities

In formerly vacant city lots across Ohio, urban farms are increasingly sprouting up. Ohio State University Extension, is partnering with urban growers to increase the production of local foods and to create jobs. Columbus now has an estimated 30 urban farms, and Cleveland has 45.  One of these partnerships is Franklinton Farms located in Columbus, Ohio. Franklinton Farms is a network of urban farming plots where traditional farming techniques and high and low tunnels are used to produce enough vegetables, fruits, and herbs to supply a 40-member community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. In 2019, the CSA plans to expand to 75 members, said Nick Stanich, executive director of the nonprofit operation. That’s in addition to the hundreds of pounds of produce the operation donates to area families and homeless centers in Franklinton. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: CFAES

Making Our Neighborhoods, Making Our Selves: Book Release

George Galster, 2016 winner of the UAA “Contributions to the Field of Urban Affairs” award, announces the publication of his new book from the University of Chicago Press, “Making Our Neighborhoods, Making Our Selves.” In the book, Galster delves deep into the question of whether American neighborhoods are as efficient and equitable as they could be – socially and financially and, if not, what we can do to change that. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Urban Affairs Association

Tackling Food Insecurity at the Urban Level

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva urged cities around the world to redouble efforts to turn global commitments on food security, nutrition, and climate change, into local realities. At a time of rapid urbanization, cities are becoming increasingly important agents of change including on policies and action aimed at providing access to healthy diets for all. Today, about 55 percent of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68 percent by 2050. Meanwhile some 80 percent of all food produced is consumed in urban areas. “To implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the political commitment of global leaders is not enough. We also need the full engagement of local authorities,” he said. “After all, it is at the local level where people live, where people eat, use water or dispose their garbage.” Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Morning Ag Clips

If the Academy Awarded “Best Picture in an Urban Setting”

Over the past five years, roughly three-quarters of movies nominated for best picture or screenplay have been place-centered. Almost half of the place-centered Oscar nominees over the past five years have been set primarily in urban locations. Among the 2019 nominees, primarily urban movies are “BlacKkKlansman” (Colorado Springs, Colo.), “If Beale Street Could Talk,” and “Roma” (Mexico City). The Movie “If Beale Street Could Talk” tackles core urban issues that still resonate today, such as racial discrimination in housing and the criminal justice system. The movie also captures many of the small joys of urban life—strolling through Washington Square Park on a date, a neighborhood grocery store where the proprietor knows her regular customers. The grit and grace of real life cities beats Hollywood glitz every time. Follow this link to read more.

Sourced from: Brookings 

How Urban Farms Can Improve Food Security

Urban farming has grown by more than 30 percent in the United States in the past 30 years. Although it has been estimated that urban agriculture can meet 15 to 20 percent of global food demand, it remains to be seen what level of food self-sufficiency it can realistically ensure for cities. One recent survey found that 51 countries do not have enough urban area to meet a recommended nutritional target of 300 grams per person per day of fresh vegetables. Moreover, it estimated, urban agriculture would require 30 percent of the total urban area of those countries to meet global demand for vegetables. Land tenure issues and urban sprawl could make it hard to free up this much land for food production. Follow this link to read more.

Sourced from: Morning Ag Clips

How Trees Help Mitigate The Urban Heat Island Effect

In 2007, New York City launched MillionTrees NYC, a program designed to plant 1 million new trees along streets, in parks and on private and public properties by 2017. They hit their goal two years ahead of time. These programs are popular for a reason: Not only do trees improve the city’s appearance, but they also mitigate the urban heat island effect – the tendency for dense cities to be hotter than surrounding areas. Studies have shown that trees reduce pollutants in the air, and even the mere sight of trees and the availability of green spaces in cities can decrease stress. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Morning Ag Clips

Philadelphia Adopts Smart City Road Map

Smart city projects in Philadelphia are set to move forward in a more collaborative and organized fashion, better integrating private-sector partners, community stakeholders, and public agencies. Philadelphia released its SmartCityPHL Roadmap, a foundational document that serves as the guideline for growing innovation and collaboration across a number of city agencies. Follow this link to read more.

Sourced from: Government Technology