Fostering Sustainability and Innovation in Local Food and Agriculture Systems

Aug 1, 2016

In Face of Discrimination, LGBTQ Farmers Have Hope for the Future

August 1, 2016 | Written by AJ Hughes

“I grew up on the family farm, but there’s no place for me on the farm — the future’s not there,” says Ryan Reed, who was raised in Illinois and is now…

Robert Puro

Apr 7, 2016

Spring Has Sprung: A Few Tips to Ready Your Urban Garden

In most areas of the country, the time for planting is near or nigh. Here are some reminders to help you begin to rev up the engine of your urban vegetable garden and keep it running smooth all season long.

Robert Puro

Mar 29, 2016

Women in Food: Farmer-Turned-State Rep. Chellie Pingree Advocates for Local Farmers and Responsible Food Policy

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has represented Maine’s First District in the United States Congress since 2008. But before her time as a…

Robert Puro

Mar 21, 2016

Community Farm Utilizes Aquaponics to Grow Food for Underserved

On a small patch of land nestled in between a busy street, an elementary school, and a row of houses sits a quiet farm that is making big waves in sustainability in Orange County, CA. Inside the farm you’ll find rows of…

Robert Puro

Mar 15, 2016

Experts: Hydroponic Growing Offers Advantages, But Won’t Replace Soil

Traditionally, farmers have grown plants in nutrient-rich soil. Now an increasing number of growers rely on hydroponics, which uses a variety of soil-less media in a controlled environment.

Robert Puro

Mar 7, 2016

6 Simple Ways To Support Local Food And Farmers

Whether you are new to the local food scene, or you’ve been buying from your neighborhood farmers market for years, you’re making a big difference in the lives of small farmers and food distributors. But the food system is complicated. It’s not…

Robert Puro

Mar 3, 2016

Urban Aquaponic Farmer and Chef Redefines Local Food in Orange County, CA

In a county named for its former abundance of orange groves, chef and farmer Adam Navidi is on the forefront of redefining local food and agriculture through his restaurant, farm, and catering business.

Robert Puro

Jan 13, 2016

Women in Food: Farmer of the Year Amy Hepworth Advocates for a ‘Third Way’

Amy Hepworth’s life’s passion is feeding people. Back in 1982, Cornell University degree in pomology fresh in hand, she took the reins of Hepworth Farms, a nearly 200-year-old apple farm in New York’s…

Robert Puro

Apr 8, 2015

10 High School Hydroponics and Aquaponics Programs Bring Sustainable Ag into the Classroom

Hydroponics and aquaponics are an important part of sustainable agriculture, especially in space-scarce urban areas. Numerous high schools recognize the bright future of…

Robert Puro

May 26, 2014

10 American Cities Lead the Way With Urban Agriculture Ordinances

Small growers and urban farms are springing up across the nation, but many cities lack the infrastructure, zoning laws and foresight to truly leverage this transition.