Urban Agriculture Tour showcases community-driven food initiatives in Reading

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited four urban farms in Reading on Wednesday as part of the Shapiro Administration’s 2024 Urban Agriculture Tour. The tour aims to spotlight Pennsylvanians who are enhancing access to fresh, healthy food in underserved areas and fostering community development through agriculture.

The visit follows an announcement by Lt. Governor Austin A. Davis in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, where he revealed $500,000 in grants to boost fresh food production and economic opportunities in urban Pennsylvania neighborhoods. These funds are part of a broader effort to address food deserts, break down socioeconomic barriers, and promote sustainability in urban communities.

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The tour’s stops included RealFarm Real Food, City of Reading Pollinator Garden, 18th Wonder Improvement Project, and Bog Turtle Creek Farm. At each location, Secretary Redding engaged with local leaders, discussed ongoing challenges, and explored future opportunities for urban agriculture.

RealFarm Real Food: A Personal Investment in Urban Agriculture

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John Miller, owner of Reading Bucket Service, hosted the first stop at RealFarm Real Food, 501 S. 9th Street. He shared his journey from an agricultural background to developing a three-quarter acre permaculture-based fruit and vegetable garden in Reading.

“I grew up with grandparents that were farming. I find myself here on a site that was never developed, which is rare in an east coast city,” said Miller. “Our intention is to develop a permaculturally based garden, supported by compost barrels and a protein source via rabbits. It’s an hobby now, but we think it could be a great educational resource one day.”

Miller emphasized the importance of scalability in urban farming. “This can be scaled down to a single row home or scaled up to a 5-acre plot of land. It’s about finding ways to repurpose waste from one business into an asset for another.”

City of Reading Pollinator Garden and 18th Wonder Improvement Project

The tour continued at the City of Reading Pollinator Garden and the 18th Wonder Improvement Project, where local efforts focus on creating green spaces and community gardens that support biodiversity and offer residents access to fresh produce.

Bog Turtle Creek Farm: Engaging the Next Generation

At Bog Turtle Creek Farm, Genevieve Weikel, a sophomore at Alvernia University majoring in social work, discussed her role in maintaining the farm and ensuring a reliable supply of produce for the local Penn Street Market.

“People rely on our produce. Every week at the market, people are lined up expecting fresh produce. It’s a tough but important job,” said Weikel. “I intend to work here the rest of my undergraduate years. Helping the community is my favorite part.”

Secretary Redding’s Vision for Urban Agriculture

Reflecting on the tour, Secretary Redding praised the community-driven efforts. “Every garden we’ve seen today has a passionate quarterback connecting residents with agriculture,” Redding said. “The collaboration across public, private, and community entities is inspiring. Our takeaway is to continue improving through farm bills and urban agriculture grants.”

Redding acknowledged the challenges faced by urban agriculture projects, such as workforce costs and wildlife control, and emphasized the need for city councils to recognize the importance of food and agriculture. “It’s about legitimizing individuals and showing that urban agriculture is a responsibility for all, not just large organizations,” he stated. “Investing in these projects can meet basic needs and lead to bigger things.”

The Urban Agriculture Tour continues to highlight the transformative power of community engagement and sustainable practices in revitalizing urban neighborhoods across Pennsylvania.

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Jason Hugg
Jason Hugghttps://huggmedia.com
Editor and photographer at Berks Weekly.
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