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LESSONS LEARNED-THE TOP TEN THINGS TO DO AND TOP TEN NOT TO DO WHEN DEVELOPING AN URBAN AGRICULTURE PROJECT

Agricultural Economics & Community Development

Jacqueline Kowalski

University of Connecticut
Bethel

Abstract

Urban agriculture projects are being supported by the United States Department of Agriculture, private foundations, and State and local governments as means to train new farmers, revitalize blighted areas, and provide locally grown food for food insecure neighborhoods. Most of these projects are still in their infancy and questions remain with regard to long-term sustainability. Although many urban agriculture projects have been initiated by grass-roots efforts, Extension is being recognized as a critical partner to assist with technical support and project development. In Ohio, several Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educators are involved in developing and supporting urban agriculture projects in different metropolitan areas of the state. In the Cleveland area, over fifty urban agriculture enterprises have been initiated in the past six years as well as several in Dayton and Youngstown. Through both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (participant observation, personal conservation) data collection, several key characteristics of individual projects have emerged to help develop best management practices and early mistakes to avoid when developing an urban farm. Some of these characteristics mentioned by urban farmers include appropriate site selection, crop selection, infrastructure choices and not over-estimating capacity. There are many challenges to successful urban agriculture development and often many stakeholders to please. Because most projects are grant funded it is important to reach financial self-sufficiency as quickly as possible and avoid common pitfalls. This presentation will discuss key strategies which Extension personnel can use to guide their urban farming clientele to develop successful agriculture projects. Authors: Eric Barrett, Kowalski, J., Tony Nye, Suzanne Mills-Wasniak, Brad Bergefurd
  1. Eric Barrett Associate Professor, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44406
  2. Kowalski, J. Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44103
  3. Tony Nye Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45177
  4. Suzanne Mills-Wasniak Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45409
  5. Brad Bergefurd Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45662