Urban Ag Week 2023
Each year, we kick off Urban Ag Week in PA with special events that bring together the broad network of Pittsburgh Food Policy Council members, leaders in our urban agriculture community, local and state officials, community partners, and conservation officials to celebrate the strides our region has made in the advancement of urban agriculture. We will celebrate farms and gardens where infrastructure improvements have been funded in part through the Pennsylvania Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Infrastructure grant and acknowledge the tireless dedication of community leaders, organizations and supporters.
This year’s event had three components: a Farm Tour, Luncheon, and Happy Hour. See details below.
PA Secretary of Agriculture Farm Tour
Secretary Redding, along with other politicians, funders, and organizational partners toured three sites, including: Mwanakuche Farm on the Northside, Freight Farm in the West End and Oasis Farm and Fishery in Homewood. There were over 50 visitors this year at various sites.
Stop 1: Mwanakuche Farm
Photo from Left: Secretary Redding, Jazmyn Rudolph (Ag Project Manager at Manchest Academic Charter School), Lisa Freeman (Urban Farmer at Freeman Family Farm), Jo Deming (Ex Director at Pittsburgh Food Policy Council), Abdulkadir Chirambo (Executive Director at Mwanakuche Farm), Ula Muya (Garden Coordinator), Johara Said (Volunteer Coordinator and Chef), Shawn Pippi, President of Inside Sprouts
Stop 2: Freight Farm
Photo from left: Shirley Taylor (Main Caretaker of Freight Farm), Jo Deming (Ex Dir at Pittsburgh Food Policy Council), Secretary Redding, Terri Minor Spencer (Executive Director of West End P.O.W.E.R), and Farmer Girl Eb (Urban Farmer and Educator)
Stop 3: Oasis Farm and Fishery
Photo from left: Nick Sirio (Farm Apprentice at Oasis Farm and Fishery), Tacumba Turner (Director of Programs at Oasis Farm & Fishery), Ash Chan (Farm Manager at Oasis Farm and Fishery), Cynthia Wallace (Exec Pastor at Bible Center Church), Ayanna Jones (CEO and Founder of the Sankofa Village Community Garden), Jo Deming (Ex Director at Pittsburgh Food Policy Council), Secretary Redding), State Rep. La'Tasha Mayes, Carlos Thomas (Green Corps Manager and Operation Better Block)
“Seeds in the City” Urban Ag Luncheon
State Rep. Emily Kinkead and Secretary of the Dept. of Agriculture Russell Redding welcomed industry stakeholders to Pittsburgh for the inaugural Seeds in the City luncheon. The event focused on discussing important updates to urban agriculture and farming in Pennsylvania. It took place at the Allegheny Health Network’s Suburban General Campus–Now home to Catalyst Kitchen, Ecotone Renewables, and AlphaLab. Over 75 people were in attendance and had the opportunity to tour Ecotone Renewable’s Zeus digester. The onsite digester converts food waste into a powerful liquid fertilizer, helping the hospital achieve its goal of being a zero waste facility.
Happy Hour
In celebration of the start of Urban Ag Week AND the introduction of the Food Justice Fund plan to Council with a Happy Hour at Lounge 7101 in Homewood. A delicious full buffet spread was provided by M & M Royal Touch. Over 30 people were in attendance.
At this event, we had the opportunity to thank Councilwoman Gross for her leadership on the Food Justice Fund! We also thanked the members of the Food Justice Fund Committee who have met frequently and worked diligently to inform and advance the Food Justice Fund plan. The plan was officially approved by Council on July 18th, 2023!
