Lots of jobs exist in the big city: architect, lawyer, farmer?
That's right. Being an urban farmer in a city setting is growing as a sustainable career option for many urbanites, and
Findlay Market is out to help Cincinnatians realize it.
Findlay Market recently sponsored the 'Make Money as an Urban Farmer Workshop,' centered around teaching those interested in urban farming how to make it profitable.
"It's hard work, but there is a growing demand for access to healthy foods," says Tevis Foreman, director of Urban Farming at the Cincinnati Health Department Creating Healthy Community Project.
The Urban Farming Workshop allows people to learn how to earn a part-time or full-time wage from sustainable methods of farming in blighted green spaces throughout the city. Tracks of land that go unused can be cultivated into flourishing fields rich with vegetables that can be sold at the market.
Last weekend's training seminar leads into a nine-week intensive course on the nuts and bolts of urban farming, providing supplies, land acreage and other necessities to begin a vibrant career as an urban farmer. Neighborhood beautification is also buried into the program as blighted areas will become more verdant as gardens spring up.
"There is a growing demand for restaurant, vendors and grocers to for healthy food," says Foreman. "This is a change in culture."
Do Good:
Support policies that advocate for local and sustainable agriculture. Contact the
Office of Environmental Quality for more info.
Donate. If you are a urban farmer or own a parcel of unused land in the city, consider donating your time or donate land to Findlay Market.
Shop. Purchase local produce at Findlay Market's farmer's market every weekend during the growing season.
By Ryan McLendon
Photo courtesy Findlay Market
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.