Why I'm Urging Senator Ossoff to Champion Urban Agriculture at the Federal Level
As Georgia communities continue to innovate in food access, sustainability, and small-scale farming, it's time for our federal policies to catch up. This week, I submitted a programmatic request to Senator Jon Ossoff's office for Fiscal Year 2026, urging the USDA to elevate its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production to a standalone division. While urban agriculture is currently tucked within the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), its potential goes far beyond conservation. Our farms—especially those in underserved neighborhoods—deserve dedicated support that recognizes their role in feeding families, creating jobs, and transforming communities. Below is the full cover letter I submitted, advocating for this change. -
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Big plans for Augusta Agriculture Week 2026?
A celebration of Augusta’s local farms, food producers, agri-businesses, and urban agriculture innovations.
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AUGUSTA AGRICULTURE WEEK 2025
A celebration of Augusta’s local farms, food producers, agri-businesses, and urban agriculture innovations.
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What Are the Next Steps to Getting Small-Scale and Urban Farmers Recognized as Legitimate Producers?
Agriculture is evolving. While traditional farming has long been the foundation of food production, new and innovative approaches are reshaping how we grow and distribute food. Urban farms, hydroponics, aquaponics, permaculture, and agroforestry are just a few examples of nontraditional farming models that offer sustainable solutions for food security and environmental conservation.
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Encouraging Adaptive Reuse of Vacant Spaces for Food Production
Repurposing vacant spaces for food production addresses multiple issues at once, including food insecurity, urban blight, and sustainability. With proper planning, communities can turn neglected areas into productive spaces that provide fresh produce, employment, and ecological benefits.
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February Update: Celebrating The Year of Agriculture & Supporting Black Farmers in Augusta
On February 18, 2025, the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce hosted a Business Resource Fair, where the Agribusiness Committee welcomed Vontice Jackson, NRCS Outreach Director. She provided key updates on USDA programs and resources, reinforcing agriculture’s status as Georgia’s #1 industry.
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Hello 2025!! [End of Year Report/Recap 2024]
“We’ve walked through fire—figuratively and literally. From health scares to hurricanes, this team and our partners showed up for Augusta every single time,” said Karen Gordon, Director of Growing Augusta. “To everyone working tirelessly in the food access and farmer support spaces, I see you, I thank you, and I celebrate you.”
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Promoting Education on Nontraditional Farming Models
Agriculture is evolving. While traditional farming has long been the foundation of food production, new and innovative approaches are reshaping how we grow and distribute food. Urban farms, hydroponics, aquaponics, permaculture, and agroforestry are just a few examples of nontraditional farming models that offer sustainable solutions for food security and environmental conservation.
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Agribusiness Committee: Growing Prosperity, Cultivating Community
Our Mission is to cultivate opportunities for Black-owned agribusinesses by expanding market access, advocating for inclusive policies, and fostering collaboration between farmers, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders.
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Who We Are: Growing Augusta & Our Journey in Agriculture
Growing Augusta was not born from an academic institution or a large-scale farm operation. It was born out of real-world challenges and firsthand experiences—from launching and managing farmers markets to working in food access and navigating roadblocks with local agencies.
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