New Purdue Extension program hopes to grow urban farming in Lake County
“It’s important to recognize urban farming as a legitimate way to strengthen local food systems.”
By Molly DeVore
NWI
Jan 10, 2022
Excerpt:
Launching this spring, Purdue Extension’s Urban Farming Signature Program will guide participants through the complexities of growing in urban spaces while connecting with other local farmers. An introductory course designed for anyone interested in farming in an urban setting, students will gather at the Purdue Extension-Lake County office in Crown Point every Wednesday afternoon from Jan. 26 to March 2.
The classes will feature local urban farmers as guest speakers, helping form a network of growers. Interest in urban farming has grown in recent years, said Rebecca Koetz, of Lake County Extension.
“Most of the questions I get related to farming are people interested in either gardening or farming in an urban setting,” Koetz said. “During the pandemic we saw an increased interest in how our food system works.”
The curriculum spans everything from the basics of growing to the history of urban agriculture. Participants will be given a workbook and will engage in hands-on activities, crafting and revising a site plan for their farm along the way.
