EPA Regional Administrator Visits Urban Agriculture Sites in Metro Atlanta

Dan Georgia, USDA-EPA, USDA-NRCS

urban agricultural
Courtesy of NRCS
Image credit: Douglas Gayeton

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman visited two urban agriculture sites, Metro-Atlanta Urban Farm and an urban backyard farm created by the youngest organic farmer of Georgia. This visit highlighted theĀ importance of urban agricultureā€™s role with the environment and community andĀ showcased successful impact and outreach at all levels.

ā€œThe contributions of community leaders in urban agriculture helps promote environmental stewardship, sustainability, food security, in addition to providing job training and life skills,ā€ said Blackman. ā€œWhat a great opportunity this is to have EPA, USDAĀ Natural Resources Conservation ServiceĀ (NRCS), 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.ā€

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Blackman kicked off the day touring the Organic Garden created by Kendall Rae Johnson, the youngest organic farmer in Georgia. Later, he toured Metro-Atlanta Urban Farm, accompanied by USDA-NRCS leadership Terry Cosby, Chief, James Tillman, Sr., Southeast Regional Conservationist, and Terrance Rudolph, GA State Conservationist. They were also joined by Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture, Gary Black.

ā€œI 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,” said Bobby Wilson, Metro-Atlanta Urban Farm.

Learn more aboutĀ EPA AgricultureĀ and aboutĀ EPAā€™s National Agriculture Center.