By Andi Anderson
The Cleveland branch of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is taking innovative steps to connect with urban farmers and expand agricultural opportunities within the city.
Operating out of an office in suburban Ravenna, Ohio, the FSA has partnered with the Cleveland Public Library to host bi-weekly office hours, aiming to bridge the gap between urban residents and agricultural resources.
Despite the absence of a permanent office in Cleveland, Urban County Executive Director Tristam Mizak and his colleague Benjamin Potter are dedicated to this initiative. They set up meetings every first, third, and fifth Thursday of the month at various library branches, allowing easy access for the community to engage directly with FSA representatives.
These library hours serve as a valuable platform for Cleveland's farmers to discuss their farming operations, address challenges, and explore opportunities provided by the USDA. Issues such as deer management, irrigation needs, and repairs to agricultural infrastructure like high tunnels are common topics.
Moreover, these sessions cater to a diverse range of agricultural interests, from traditional community gardening to innovative indoor vertical farming.
Tristam Mizak finds these interactions so beneficial that he plans to continue the program even after a permanent USDA Urban Service Center is established in Cleveland. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility in his role, accommodating on-site farm visits to better understand the specific needs of urban farmers and the unique challenges they face.
The turnout at these sessions varies, influenced by factors such as weather and neighborhood dynamics, yet the consistent presence of the FSA at these library events underscores a committed effort to nurture urban agriculture. This approach not only educates but actively supports urban residents in starting or expanding their agricultural ventures.
As urban agriculture continues to gain traction, initiatives like the FSA’s library office hours are crucial in fostering an inclusive and informed farming community.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Ohio, General