LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– Today, Michigan State University will host the Urban Agriculture Summit to highlight key issues for urban farmers and stakeholders.
The event will be at the James B. Henry Center on Forest Rd. in Lansing from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
According to MSU, the goal of the event is to strengthen the statewide urban farmer network by “bridging existing connections, identifying obstacles to accessing resources, and exploring ways to advance urban agriculture through collaborative, community-led research, initiatives, and funding streams.”
“The DPFLI offers a variety of programs and experiences for Michigan residents to learn more about local food systems in our state and encourage people to invest in Michigan food businesses,” says Naim Edwards, The Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning, and Innovation (DPFLI) Director in a news release sent to 6 News.
“We leverage our farm and learning center to allow farmers to organize and engage neighbors in growing and creating local food culture.”
Ewards says that space is the main obstacle to urban farming, and DPFLI is working to create a farm design model and create practices that will lead to food security in Detroit despite the size of the land.
“We need to pursue a diversity of revenue streams,” says Edwards. “Leaning into selling food, creating food products, pursuing opportunities and agritourism, leveraging farm space and experiences for income are all important considerations. We also want local and state governments to remove barriers and pursue policies that support viable urban farms. Lastly, we need to continue to highlight and build infrastructure that supports local food systems.”
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