AIA-NY – Designing Urban Agriculture, Part 1: Why Now?

This is the first in a three-part series that will explore the intersection of agriculture and the urban environment at this moment and at a range of scales. This session focuses on the conext and policies around urban agriculture and how food plays a role in urban health and community. We will ask:

• Why is it important for cities to create sustainable and interconnected regional agriculture systems?
• How can we expand access to, and involvement in, urban farming practices?
• How are gardens and farms integrated into urban systems and networks?
• What role can urban agriculture play in advancing social justice and community development?
• Can urban agriculture facilitate COVID recovery?

Speakers:
Michael Hollis, Urban Farms Director, Services for the Underserved
Valentine Cadieux, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Program Director of Environmental Studies, Hamline University
Rodney Brooks, Beginning Farmer Regional Coordinator, USDA 

Moderator:
Ian Marvy, Urban Farmer

About the Speakers:

Mike Hollis is the Urban Farms Director at Services for the UnderServed. In that role, he manages a multi-divisional therapeutic horticulture program for veterans, individuals, and families facing a range of challenges from mental illness, developmental disabilities, and HIV/AIDS, often compounded by histories of homelessness, substance use, poverty, and unemployment. 

Valentine Cadieux is a professor in Hamline’s Anthropology and Environment program, with a PhD and MA from the Geography and Planning program at the University of Toronto, and an AB in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard and Radcliffe. 

Ian Marvy is an award-winning social entrepreneur who has been working at the intersection of food systems, restorative justice,  youth, and community empowerment for 40 years. He spent more than two decades living in Red Hook, Brooklyn while working on these issue locally, nationally, and internationally. His works focuses on building stronger, healthier, more just, and equitable communities. 

1.5 LACES credits – approved

For more information and to register CLICK HERE