Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Daniel Blackman recently visited the Metro-Atlanta Urban Farm and an urban backyard farm started by Georgia's youngest organic farmer.
The visit emphasized the value of urban agriculture's contribution to the environment and community and showed off its broad-reaching success, according to a July 21 EPA news release.
“The contributions of community leaders in urban agriculture help promote environmental stewardship, sustainability, food security, in addition to providing job training and life skills," Region 4 EPA Administrator Daniel Blackman said in the release. “What a great opportunity this is to have EPA, NRCS-USDA, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and community leadership together to shine a light on the great work Georgians are leading in the urban agriculture space.”
According to the release, Blackman toured the organic garden created by the youngest organic farmer in Georgia, Kendall Rae Johnson, before visiting the Metro-Atlanta Urban Farm with USDA-NRCS leaders Chief Terry Cosby, Southeast Regional Conservationist James Tillman Sr., GA State Conservationist Terrance Rudolph and Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture Gary Black.
“I am excited to convene this group of stakeholders who will be instrumental in helping to elevate the undeniable benefits of urban agriculture and community gardens to close the access gap to fresh and healthy foods, as well as ensure that policies and resources combine to provide ongoing environmental stewardship and sustainability," Bobby Wilson, of Metro-Atlanta Urban Farm said, according to the release.
According to the release, city and suburban agriculture can be found in the backyard, roof-top and balcony gardens, community gardens located in vacant lots and parks and "roadside urban fringe agriculture and livestock grazing in open space."
The best management practices and integrated farming systems work to protect the fertility and stability of the soil, stonewall excess runoff, offer habitats for flora and fauna, lower CO2 emissions, heighten carbon sequestration and lower the chance of incidence and severity of natural disasters like floods and landslides, the release reported. There are numerous benefits decorative or scenic agriculture landscapes, waterways and buildings offer which include recreational activities, stunning views of scenery and open space.
