The 1053 Urban Agriculture and Food Systems Annual Meeting was held to discuss multi-state research projects, funding mechanisms, and various presentations on urban agriculture initiatives. The meeting covered updates on ongoing research projects, including control environment agriculture, urban food systems, indoor farming, and urban extension efforts, while also addressing the need for new leadership positions within the organization. The WERA was discussed, with emphasis on encouraging members to join and take on leadership roles, along with plans for more frequent meetings and information sharing.
Urban Agriculture Annual Meeting Overview
The meeting began with Brad Gaolach, the current chair, introducing the 1053 Urban Agriculture and Food Systems Annual Meeting. He outlined the agenda, which includes an overview of the Hatch Multi-State Project process, presentations from members, formal presentations from invited speakers, a business meeting for electing new officers, and developing a work plan for the upcoming meeting. Brad mentioned that only five people had expressed interest in making presentations, and he encouraged others to notify him if they wanted to participate. He also noted that the meeting would be recorded and the recording information would be shared with registered attendees.
Multi-State Research Funding Overview
Brad, the director of WSU's Metropolitan Center for Applied Research and Extension, provided an overview of the organizational structure and funding mechanisms behind multi-state research projects, particularly focusing on the distinction between Research Activities (RAs) and Education, Extension, and Research Activities (ERAs). He explained the legislative foundation, including the Hatch Act and Smith Lever Act, which require land-grant universities to allocate 25% of their federal funds to integrated multi-state projects. Brad also discussed the National Information Management and Support System (NIMSS) and the process of joining these projects, emphasizing the importance of time dedication and the use of CRIS codes. The WERA 1053 has two main objectives: collaborating to increase interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaborations among research, education, extension professionals, and others related to urban agriculture and food systems; and supporting the coordination of REE activities and exchanging information by establishing and supporting core themes and cross-cutting threads.
Advancements in Urban and Indoor Farming
Xinhua Jia presented on two main research areas: control environment agriculture and a novel project harvesting waste heat from data centers to power food production, with a feasibility study planned for a new data center near Fargo. Semra Fetahovic from Kansas State University outlined their urban food systems initiative, including research on high tunnels, soil, and fruit/vegetable production, along with their upcoming urban food systems symposium in Kansas City next September. Most Taran Naznin shared research on indoor farming in Las Vegas, focusing on hydroponic systems and light spectrum impact on crop production, while also conducting extension activities and teaching hydroponic certificate courses.
Urban Agriculture and Extension Initiatives
Bill Miller, Associate Director of the University of Massachusetts Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, discussed his work in urban extension and agriculture, highlighting a new initiative to expand urban farming and youth engagement in agriculture. He emphasized the integration of research and extension efforts and the importance of building programs gradually over time. Doug Steele from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities provided updates on their initiatives, including a new "Land Grant University Homecoming" event and efforts to secure funding for research infrastructure. He also discussed the importance of connecting urban populations with the work of land-grant universities.
Urban Research Support Proposal
Dan Cronan from Washington State University presented a comprehensive research proposal focused on urban soils and peri-urban land use conflicts, proposing transdisciplinary methods and community engagement to address complex socio-ecological systems. The project aims to develop a data hub and standardized metrics to analyze urban agriculture, green infrastructure, and ecosystem services across cities, with a phased approach spanning five years. Gail offered existing urban soil data from 70 sites, which Dan and Brad welcomed to enhance the project's data framework and national perspective.
Urban Food Systems Strategic Updates
The meeting covered updates on the Sustainable Urban Food Systems Program Action Team's strategic convening in Huntsville, Alabama, which resulted in two priority work streams: reducing food loss and waste, and expanding urban food production. Jeff Young outlined key activities and investment opportunities for both work streams, emphasizing the goal of a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030. Jessica Shade provided NIFA updates, noting the transition under a new director and the ongoing alignment of priorities with the current administration. The group discussed advocacy for urban agriculture and the importance of organized stakeholder engagement. Finally, Brad announced the need for new leadership positions within the WERA 1053, with Paul confirmed as the incoming chair and Gail not seeking reelection as secretary.
WERA Membership and Engagement Discussion
The meeting focused on discussing the WERA and its activities. Brad and Paul encouraged members to consider joining WERA and taking on leadership roles, such as chair or secretary. Megan presented on her work with Iowa State University Extension and the Agri Prospects Workforce Development Network. The group discussed the importance of meeting in person and potentially applying for planning grants to fund such meetings. Gail emphasized keeping the group's activities simple and focused on sharing information. Christopher raised questions about private industry involvement in WERA, and Brad explained the formal structure and benefits of WERA within the Land Grant University system. The conversation ended with plans to provide more information on joining WERA and to consider more frequent meetings between members.