The City’s New Urban Agriculture Director is Sowing Seeds of Change for Brooklyn’s Gardens
It’s the first spring season for Qiana Mickie in her new post as director of the Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture — here’s what she’s learned so far.
By Elizabeth Lepro
BK Reader
Apr 21, 2023
Excerpt:
Now, Mickie has a small staff in her new post, which includes a deputy director, though she can liaise with other agencies, such as NYC Parks GreenThumb and the Department of Education.
She expects to benefit from her nonprofit experience, working with tight budgets and broad visions.
“I think [Mayor Adams] appointed me because he knew I could get stuff done,” she said.
The Mayor has touted his previous investments in urban agriculture. As Brooklyn Borough President, Adams dedicated capital funding to vertical farming and hydroponics labs in Brooklyn schools.
“Urban agriculture is a growing industry in our city that has the potential to expand the supply of healthy and locally grown food, create jobs and make our city more resilient,” he said in the release announcing Mickie’s appointment. “[Mickie] will play an integral role in advancing my food and sustainability agenda.”
If the urban agriculture system in NYC is a tree, Mickie is working between the roots and the fruits of each gardener’s labor. While she can’t directly fund initiatives — like the pavilion the Powell Street Garden needs — she can co-write grants with other agencies, connect community gardeners with resources and advocate for their needs.
Space is the most valuable resource in NYC, and in Brooklyn, she said, “Something that really resonates with folks is innovative land use.”
