3rd Annual Massachusetts Urban Farming Conference Saturday in Worcester

Saturday, March 28, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux will join policy makers, entrepreneurs and local food system advocates at Worcester State University for the 3rd Annual Massachusetts Urban Farming Conference.

The 2015 Massachusetts Urban Farming Conference brings together participants from across the Commonwealth for a day filled with educational and networking opportunities.

This is the third year that Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has partnered with the Urban Farming Institute and City Growers to organize the daylong event and convene seasoned practitioners and multi-sector experts to lend their experiences and wealth of knowledge to beginning urban farmers and entrepreneurs. The conference is an additional step towards addressing the Commonwealth’s urban food systems and contributing to sustainable environmental practices.

“The UFC is an example of the growing interest and support for innovative urban farming practices,” said Commissioner John Lebeaux, in a statement. “Food production in urban settings is a practical option to ensure all of our communities can obtain fresh food.”

Highlights of the conference include:

• ·Discussion on the challenges of building a viable farming enterprise in the city;
• ·“Building bridges” within the rural and urban farming sectors;
• ·Youth panelists who shared their insight, vision and experience;
• ·Aquaponic, hydroponic and roof-top farming’s cutting edge techniques and planning for its growth in the region;
• ·Thoughtful conversation regarding climate adaptation, land access and funding options.

The Department of Agricultural Resources launched an Urban Agriculture Program to support the emerging urban agriculture sector in early 2014.

In just over a year, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has released two rounds of funding which have provided support for 20 urban agriculture projects and facilitated two state-wide urban agriculture conferences, attracting hundreds of practitioners, advocates, and policy makers.

“We look forward to continuing the conversation, education and convening for the purpose of advancing resilient and thriving urban farming sector,” said Glynn Lloyd, Co-Founder, City Growers.

Top priorities of attendees are food system planning, land and policy and best practices for their enterprise’s viability. Participants attending have expressed attending the conference is a valued networking opportunity for this emerging sector and a great setting to discuss the pertinent agenda items.

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resource’s goals have been to increase and sustain the capacity of urban agriculture to provide tangible, measurable benefits to residents in urban centers which include: increased access to healthy fresh food, improved public health, entrepreneurial opportunities, job training & youth employment, and community revitalization.