Department of Agriculture and Markets Releases Community Gardens Task Force Annual Report
Builds on Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Urban Agriculture
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Excerpt:
In her State of the State Book and Executive Budget, Governor Hochul is already taking steps forward on several of these recommendations. To help create new community gardens and increase the productivity of those already operating, Governor Hochul is providing $2,325,000 to launch initiatives to:
Establish a Community Gardens Grant Program to support the creation of new or expansion of existing community gardens;
Create a Community Gardens Leadership Certification Program to provide training and continuing education; and
Provide funding for soil testing, as well as associated outreach and training.
The funding will also help develop and launch a leadership certification program for community gardeners and a statewide soil testing program, as recommended in the Task Force report. In cooperation with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Harvest NY Community Gardens Team, the curriculum and training for the leadership certification will focus on preparation for the distinct challenges faced in the establishment and development of these important sites. In conjunction with soil testing that also includes support for community gardens to interpret results to inform plantings, gardens will have the well-rounded foundation and ongoing development needed to establish a sustainable presence.
