Page 20 - UF Spring 2017

26 Photo by Maureen White”

Urban

Farming

for all 33

The recent Massachusetts Urban 41
Farming Conference
united over 400 people to discuss Craig Bailey/Perspective Photo
Urban Farming today -- and
sustaining a movement that The Urban Farming Karen Washington, an Urban
includes everyone who wants Conference, thanks to the Farmer and an Urban Farming
healthier food and more Urban Farming Institute in Activist, has lived in New York
community. While urban farms partnership with the City all her life, and has spent
can't supply all of the produced Massachusetts Department of decades promoting urban farming
needed in any given city, the Agricultural Resources as a way for all New Yorkers to
farmers can help make a (MDAR), and all of the access to fresh, locally grown
difference in getting locally presenters, volunteers and food.
produced food to the communities longtime Urban Farming “To grow your own food gives you
who need it most. supporters from across the power and dignity. You know
state united to focus on exactly what you’re eating
Reports note that urban farms growing, engaging and because you grew it. It’s good,
truly connect communities to food learning. it’s nourishing and you did this for
--whether inspiring them to eat yourself, your family and your
63 community.” Karen Washington
h5e6althier or to purchase produce

grown by their neighbors.

Patricia E. Spence, Executive
Director of the Urban Farming
Institute, said, "At a time when
many things are in flux, our ties to
the land and to one another keep
us grounded."UFI's mission is to
develop urban farming
entrepreneurs and to build
healthier and more locally based
food systems that contribute to
stronger communities.