Learning to Farm in 'the' City

Exciting news from NYC, Just Food and Partners have launched Farm School NYC: The New York School of Urban Agriculture.  Read the press release below: 

Just Food and an alliance of local horticultural and food justice organizations are pleased to announce the official launch of Farm School NYC: The New York City School of Urban Agriculture.  The school will offer a unique, community-based certificate program with enrollment beginning in January 2011.  The mission of the school is to provide comprehensive professional training in urban agriculture, while spurring positive local action on issues of food access and social, economic and racial justice.

Community gardens and urban farms throughout the city will serve as outdoor classrooms, and their neighborhoods and gardeners as inspiration for a vibrant, fair local food system that nourishes bodies and minds.  Training programs will be accessible to adults of all educational backgrounds and income levels.  In particular, Farm School NYC targets New York City residents unable to access traditional agricultural education and for whom skills in urban food production can contribute to reduced hunger and diet-related diseases that disproportionately affect low-income city residents.

“For the first time, New Yorkers and city dwellers from all over will have access to agricultural training that directly relates to the unique setting of urban agriculture,” says Karen Washington, a nationally-recognized urban farming pioneer from the Bronx, and a member of the school’s Executive Board. “We grow it so we know it, and we’ve shown that city farming can make a huge difference in the health and nutrition of low-income urban communities.”

Farm School NYC will offer instruction in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship and food systems management.  “Our goal for the school is to build and share knowledge within our communities and improve local access to healthy food throughout the city,” said Jacquie Berger, Executive Director of Just Food. “By bringing urban farming skills to a much broader population, Farm School NYC will magnify the impact of urban agriculture on community health in New York City and beyond.”

The school plans to focus on local applicants from NYC and students will be chosen based on life experience, demonstrated desire, life experience, and their intended actions following the program.  To keep the programs accessible to those who need it most, the school will operate on a sliding pay scale, where student fees will be assessed based on ability to pay and need.  Additionally, all students will be required to participate in a work study program, designed to increase the sustainability of the School.  Students will contribute time to administration, registration, class support, fund raising, and other school functions. The work-study program is meant to place all students on equal footing, while additionally providing experience learning and serving in the community and building skills, habits, and attitudes associated with work. 

Learn More at Farm School NYC’s website:

www.justfood.org/farmschoolnyc

For additional information contact:

Molly Culver & Eric Thomann, Interim Co-Directors

212-645-9880 ×224

farmschoolnyc@justfood.org