Pre-Symposium Workshop

“The Promise of Urban Agriculture” (PUA), a recent publication supported through a USDA AMS, draws on case studies of 14 urban farms plus insights from over 150 urban agriculture advocates to uncover the policies, resources, research, and education needed to support the successful development of commercial urban farms. The workshop will focus on the topics including strategies for urban farmers, federal policy, local policy and planning, urban agriculture programs, and research and extension communities to support the continued development of commercial urban farming and urban agriculture in general. The findings and recommendations from PUA have now been incorporated into practical training and educational resources for use by three target audiences: 

1) Experienced farmers interested in commercial urban farming

2) Planners/policy advocates wanting to improve support for urban agriculture

3) Nonprofit and extension educators supporting the development of commercial urban farms

The ‘Growers’ curricula have four modules that include siting urban farms, business structures and strategies, farming practices, and nonprofit farm management. The ‘Growers’ course assumes learners have some farming experience in either urban or rural environments. 

The ‘Planners’ curricula have six modules that cover topics focused on supporting urban agriculture (UA) development, including definitions of UA, valuing UA, developing UA comprehensive plans, zoning considerations, and effective community engagement strategies. The curricula aim to guide planners and policymakers on viable strategies to improve public support of UA. All curricula include virtual site visits, case studies, worksheets, and supplementary reading materials to guide learners in improving their knowledge and skills in urban agriculture. 

Presenters: 

Anu Rangarajan, Cornell University

Molly Riordan, Cornell University

Marcia Canton Campbell, Rooted Inc

Martin Bailkey, Rooted, Inc

Samantha Schaffstall, USDA AMS

Yvette Garcia, USDA AMS

Yolanda Gonzalez, Cornell Cooperative Extension