Sustainable Food Systems

More Than a Token: Urban Agriculture Has Much to Offer Close to Home

Jodi Kushins, of Over the Fence Urban Farm, knows she doesn’t grow a lot compared to some farms. She feeds about 20 households through her CSA program, with 2,500 square feet in her yard and her neighbor’s yard. “It’s like a drop in the bucket,” she said. “Seeing a semi truck full of produce and then thinking about the very, very tiny amount of food I’m able to produce in my yard definitely gives me pause.”

Kushin’s farm is one of more than 30 in Columbus, up from about five in 2014. Urban agriculture is driven by desires for food security and fresh foods, vacant land in post-industrial areas and interest in connecting with farmers, said Mike Hogan,  Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Franklin County. “We know we’re not gonna feed the world with urban agriculture,” Hogan said. But Hogan believes that urban agriculture needs to be part of the city food systems. In Cleveland, about 80% of the vacant land could provide 20% of all the produce needed. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Farm and Dairy

Gardening in Katrina’s Wake: Growing Food Helps Rebuild New Orleans

New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward bears plenty of scars of Hurricane Katrina that devastated the city 15 years ago – overgrown vacant lots, broken foundations where houses stood and empty streets where people once lived.

Then there’s the gardens of Jeanette Bell, plots of life she has built to teach people to grow their own food from the ruins. “Once you start growing, you immediately recognize the difference, instantly, in your food and in your life,” said Bell, 76, founder of the Garden on Mars Urban Garden Project. Bell has five gardens in the Lower Ninth, the poorest and worst hit of New Orleans’ 17 wards when the levees broke during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and 80% of the city was flooded. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Thomas Reuters Foundation

National Urban Extension Conference Postponed

After discussion and thoughtful consideration, the National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) has decided to postpone the May 2021 National Urban Extension Conference (NUEC), until May 2022. Details on the 2022 NUEC conference will be forthcoming in a few months. In lieu of holding the NUEC in May 2021, NUEL will be hosting a National Urban Extension Virtual Summit on May 18-20, 2021.

Please hold these dates on your calendar. A more detailed agenda and registration information will be released in early 2021.

Sourced from: NUEL

Land-Grant Cornerstone Conversation

Join the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) for the 2020 Land-Grant Cornerstone Conversation being held virtually during the 58th annual Farm Science Review on Tuesday, September 22. Dr. Cathann A. Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of the CFAES and special guests, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, will discuss the future of agriculture research technology and prominent ways to ensure the food supply chain in Ohio and beyond. Follow this link to register. 

Sourced from: CFAES

Homeless Veterans use Urban Gardening to Heal Invisible Wounds

Less than 10 percent of Americans have served in the U.S. military, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs, but in Indiana, one in three men that are homeless is a veteran, according to Helping Veterans and Families (HVAF). HVAF is an organization that works to provide support and tools to help veterans get back on their feet. Here, they know that war and homelessness can leave scars, and they recently started an urban garden for their residents. Amanda Helfrich, a HVAF case manager, said she noticed that there was some space at the facility that wasn’t being utilized and thought it would be the perfect place for the garden. She said it’s made a difference among the residents. Follow this link to read more.

Sourced from: WTHR

2020 Ohio Master Urban Farmer Workshop

This series of 10 evening workshops is designed to help individuals learn how to produce and market all types of food products in an urban environment. While the workshop content will be introductory, individuals who already have some experience growing or marketing food products will benefit from participating. The 2020 Master Urban Farmer class will be held utilizing a hybrid model of some in-person classes, some outdoor sessions, and many classes held virtually. The in-person sessions will utilize safety protocols including reduced class size, social distancing, face masks required, and no food served. Because of this, the cost of registration will be cut in half from $200 to $100 for the general public and $50 for Franklin County Master Gardener Volunteers. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: OSU Extension, Franklin County

Online Lecture Series – Seeking Good, Clean, and Fair Food for All: Equity. Inclusion. Justice.

Slow Food Columbus is proud to once again co-host our next lecture series with Ohio State’s Anthropology Public Outreach Program (APOP). Inspired by Slow Food USA’s Manifesto for Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, this series draws on the collective experiences of panelists, who will share how these themes are manifested in their work.

Each event will take place on the third Tuesday of the month, beginning with “Seeking Good, Clean, and Fair Food for All: Equity. Inclusion. Justice.” on September 15, from 6-7:15 p.m. The entire series is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Slow Food Columbus

Urban Agriculture Grant Recipients Announced

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the selection of recipients for about $4.1 million in grants and cooperative agreements through its new Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. These are the first-ever recipients of these grants and cooperative agreements.

“As the People’s Department, USDA supports and strengthens all types of agriculture, including the work being done by urban farmers and community gardeners,” Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said. “I look forward to seeing the innovations in urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices that result from the agreements, including in community composting and food waste reduction.” Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Morning Ag Clips