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July 23, 2021 - Harrisburg, PA

Secretary of Agriculture: Agriculture is Changing the Trajectory for Pennsylvania's Urban Spaces

From Reading to Lancaster on Monday, Pittsburgh on Tuesday, and Philadelphia on Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding traveled Pennsylvania this week to visit the urban agriculture operations that are directly addressing food insecurity, improving quality of life, and infusing revenue into cities across the commonwealth.

"This week I had the incredible opportunity to travel the state and meet inspirational people who saw a connection between agriculture and art, agriculture and science, agriculture and food, and agriculture and humanity," said Redding. "Agriculture has the power to transform - to bring communities together and bring all walks of life to the same table.

"Every Pennsylvanian - regardless of zip code, or citizenship, or nationality - deserves access to fresh and nutritious food. We are all created equally, but our access to food is not. Urban agriculture is changing that by bridging the divide for those who have had no access for too long. Urban agriculture is planting seeds of hope for a prosperous future."



An arial image of Growing Home Gardens Mercy Street in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Since 1984, the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) has brought crucially needed support to tens of thousands of families in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Growing Home Gardens afford newly arriving immigrant and refugees the opportunity to grow culturally relevant crops and root people in their new neighborhoods.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_001.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding smiles with Lisa Freeman, owner and founder of Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse, at the farm in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse is a 3/4-acre re-developed urban area with a new high tunnel, customer area and refrigeration. Sustainability features include automated greenhouse controls, and stormwater capture. The farm mission is to serve exclusively our neighbors most at-risk for hunger, including the elderly, low-income, medically fragile and those struggling financially. In 2021, the Freeman Farm received a $1,300 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant to support a high tunnel project. And in 2020, the farm was awarded a $10,000 Fresh Food Financing Grant.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_002.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> A chicken is pictured at Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse is a 3/4-acre re-developed urban area with a new high tunnel, customer area and refrigeration. Sustainability features include automated greenhouse controls, and stormwater capture. The farm mission is to serve exclusively our neighbors most at-risk for hunger, including the elderly, low-income, medically fragile and those struggling financially. In 2021, the Freeman Farm received a $1,300 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant to support a high tunnel project. And in 2020, the farm was awarded a $10,000 Fresh Food Financing Grant.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_003.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> An arial image of Growing Home Gardens Emily Street in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Since 1984, the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) has brought crucially needed support to tens of thousands of families in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Growing Home Gardens afford newly arriving immigrant and refugees the opportunity to grow culturally relevant crops and root people in their new neighborhoods.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_004.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> An arial image of Farm Phillys Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Public Farm on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Farm Philly supports over 60 urban agriculture projects on Philadelphia Parks & Recreation land including orchards, vegetable and fruit production, youth education gardens, inter-generational gardens, community gardens, and market farms. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation hosts 18 community gardens on park land. In 2019, the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation public farm at 4300 Ave of the Republic, grew and distributed over 2,000 pounds of fresh produce. The produce is distributed to the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center and Parkside Fresh Food Fest.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_005.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding gets a tour of Growing Home Gardens with Rebecca Winkler, a PhD anthropology student at University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Since 1984, the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) has brought crucially needed support to tens of thousands of families in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Growing Home Gardens afford newly arriving immigrant and refugees the opportunity to grow culturally relevant crops and root people in their new neighborhoods.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_006.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Basil is pictured at DECA City Farms, which is part of the larger Lancaster County Parks Garden Plots on Monday, July 19, 2021. DECA City Farms was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic in the streets of Lancaster City with a plan to grow their love for planting and growing to ensure food security for their community. Their backyard farming cooperative is a group of backyard growing enthusiasts who have a common desire to change the planet for better and build resilient communities.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_007.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> From left; Boys Latin Charter Middle School students Quentin Walker-Matthews, 13, Anthony Hampton, 12, and Zuhri Potter, 12, look at the plants they've grown outside the middle school in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 22, 2021. The Pinnwheel Groups primary mission is to provide an academic, social, and career development initiative which offers a STEM based educational platform customized to engage marginalized urban youth. These interventions include Agri-Science, Agri-Business, and an introduction to hands on urban farming applications which engage and challenge youth to problem-solve current healthy food desert issues, while providing real access to fresh produce products. The Pinnwheel Group received a 2021 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant in the amount of $27,500 for construction of a teaching garden at the Boys Latin Charter Middle School in Philadelphia.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_008.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding grabs an apple to eat at Goggle Works Center for the Arts in downtown Reading on Monday, July 19, 2021. Goggle Works Center for the Arts is a 145,000 square-foot, five-story factory turned community arts center located in downtown Reading. They offer classes, public demonstration, and working space for artists. Goggle Works is the recipient of a $10,000 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant which theyve used to install an irrigation system, planting beds, and grow equipment<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_009.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> An arial image of Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery in Pittsburgh on Thursday, January 1, 1970. Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery is a acre re-developed urban agricultural hub with new community greenhouses. Sustainability features include onsite solar support all electricity needs, automated greenhouse controls, and stormwater capture. Garden Dreams received a $50,000 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant in 2019.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_010.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> People check out the edible plant nursery at Philadelphia Orchard Projects Woodlands Community Garden on Thursday, July 22, 2021. The Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) is a nonprofit organization that plants and supports community orchards in the city of Philadelphia. In partnership with communities, we envision urban ecosystems that create beautiful green spaces, connect neighbors, provide hands-on learning experiences, and grow fresh fruit for generations to come. POP was a recipient of the 2020-2021 Pennsylvania Farm Bills Urban Agriculture Grant Program and awarded $25,000 for construction of the first high tunnels in Philadelphia devoted to growing fruit and perennial crops.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_011.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Zoe Blickenderfer, community compost manager and community propagation manager with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, walks through Growing Home Gardens in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Since 1984, the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) has brought crucially needed support to tens of thousands of families in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Growing Home Gardens afford newly arriving immigrant and refugees the opportunity to grow culturally relevant crops and root people in their new neighborhoods.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_012.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding talks with Randall Hall, beekeeper and owner BEEBOY Honey, at Hilltop Urban Farm (HUF), which is a non-profit farm in Pittsburghs Hilltop community on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. HUF is dedicated to producing locally grown crops, providing ag education, generating entrepreneurial opportunities, and strengthening the Hilltop communities. HUF is the largest urban farm in the Pittsburgh region and is one of the largest urban farms in the country. In 2019 they received a $15,000 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure micro grant and in 2020 a $2,500 micro grant.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_013.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> An arial image of Philadelphia Orchard Projects Woodlands Community Garden on Thursday, July 22, 2021. The Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) is a nonprofit organization that plants and supports community orchards in the city of Philadelphia. In partnership with communities, we envision urban ecosystems that create beautiful green spaces, connect neighbors, provide hands-on learning experiences, and grow fresh fruit for generations to come. POP was a recipient of the 2020-2021 Pennsylvania Farm Bills Urban Agriculture Grant Program and awarded $25,000 for construction of the first high tunnels in Philadelphia devoted to growing fruit and perennial crops.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_014.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Eh Moo, 9, of Philadelphia, smiles at Growing Home Gardens in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Since 1984, the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) has brought crucially needed support to tens of thousands of families in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Growing Home Gardens afford newly arriving immigrant and refugees the opportunity to grow culturally relevant crops and root people in their new neighborhoods.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_015.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Hawa Lassanah, founder and managing director at DECA City Farms, tends to the garden, which is part of the larger Lancaster County Parks Garden Plots on Monday, July 19, 2021. DECA City Farms was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic in the streets of Lancaster City with a plan to grow their love for planting and growing to ensure food security for their community. Their backyard farming cooperative is a group of backyard growing enthusiasts who have a common desire to change the planet for better and build resilient communities.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_016.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> An arial image of Hilltop Urban Farm (HUF), which is a non-profit farm in Pittsburghs Hilltop community on Thursday, January 1, 1970. HUF is dedicated to producing locally grown crops, providing ag education, generating entrepreneurial opportunities, and strengthening the Hilltop communities. HUF is the largest urban farm in the Pittsburgh region and is one of the largest urban farms in the country. In 2019 they received a $15,000 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure micro grant and in 2020 a $2,500 micro grant.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_017.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding at Hilltop Urban Farm (HUF), which is a non-profit farm in Pittsburghs Hilltop community on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. HUF is dedicated to producing locally grown crops, providing ag education, generating entrepreneurial opportunities, and strengthening the Hilltop communities. HUF is the largest urban farm in the Pittsburgh region and is one of the largest urban farms in the country. In 2019 they received a $15,000 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure micro grant and in 2020 a $2,500 micro grant.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_018.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Zinneas are pictured at Farm Phillys Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Public Farm on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Farm Philly supports over 60 urban agriculture projects on Philadelphia Parks & Recreation land including orchards, vegetable and fruit production, youth education gardens, inter-generational gardens, community gardens, and market farms. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation hosts 18 community gardens on park land. In 2019, the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation public farm at 4300 Ave of the Republic, grew and distributed over 2,000 pounds of fresh produce. The produce is distributed to the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center and Parkside Fresh Food Fest.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_019.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> An arial image of Lancaster County Parks Garden Plots on Thursday, January 1, 1970.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_020.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Spotted lanternflies are pictured on a fig tree at Philadelphia Orchard Projects Woodlands Community Garden on Thursday, July 22, 2021. The Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) is a nonprofit organization that plants and supports community orchards in the city of Philadelphia. In partnership with communities, we envision urban ecosystems that create beautiful green spaces, connect neighbors, provide hands-on learning experiences, and grow fresh fruit for generations to come. POP was a recipient of the 2020-2021 Pennsylvania Farm Bills Urban Agriculture Grant Program and awarded $25,000 for construction of the first high tunnels in Philadelphia devoted to growing fruit and perennial crops.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_021.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> An arial shot of Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse is a -acre re-developed urban area with a new high tunnel, customer area and refrigeration. Sustainability features include automated greenhouse controls, and stormwater capture. The farm mission is to serve exclusively our neighbors most at-risk for hunger, including the elderly, low-income, medically fragile and those struggling financially. In 2021, the Freeman Farm received a $1,300 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant to support a high tunnel project. And in 2020, the farm was awarded a $10,000 Fresh Food Financing Grant.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_022.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding speaks at Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse is a -acre re-developed urban area with a new high tunnel, customer area and refrigeration. Sustainability features include automated greenhouse controls, and stormwater capture. The farm mission is to serve exclusively our neighbors most at-risk for hunger, including the elderly, low-income, medically fragile and those struggling financially. In 2021, the Freeman Farm received a $1,300 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant to support a high tunnel project. And in 2020, the farm was awarded a $10,000 Fresh Food Financing Grant.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_023.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> EmmaKate Martin, FarmPhilly coordinator with Fairmount Park Conservancy, left, and Zoe Blickenderfer, community compost manager and community propagation manager with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, at Philadelphia Orchard Projects Woodlands Community Garden on Thursday, July 22, 2021. The Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) is a nonprofit organization that plants and supports community orchards in the city of Philadelphia. In partnership with communities, we envision urban ecosystems that create beautiful green spaces, connect neighbors, provide hands-on learning experiences, and grow fresh fruit for generations to come. POP was a recipient of the 2020-2021 Pennsylvania Farm Bills Urban Agriculture Grant Program and awarded $25,000 for construction of the first high tunnels in Philadelphia devoted to growing fruit and perennial crops.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_024.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> An arial image of Growing Home Gardens Emily Street in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Since 1984, the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) has brought crucially needed support to tens of thousands of families in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Growing Home Gardens afford newly arriving immigrant and refugees the opportunity to grow culturally relevant crops and root people in their new neighborhoods.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_025.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Soe Aung, of Philadelphia, works the plants at Growing Home Gardens in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Since 1984, the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) has brought crucially needed support to tens of thousands of families in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Growing Home Gardens afford newly arriving immigrant and refugees the opportunity to grow culturally relevant crops and root people in their new neighborhoods.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_026.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding talks with people at Hilltop Urban Farm (HUF), which is a non-profit farm in Pittsburghs Hilltop community on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. HUF is dedicated to producing locally grown crops, providing ag education, generating entrepreneurial opportunities, and strengthening the Hilltop communities. HUF is the largest urban farm in the Pittsburgh region and is one of the largest urban farms in the country. In 2019 they received a $15,000 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure micro grant and in 2020 a $2,500 micro grant.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_027.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> An arial image of Philadelphia Orchard Projects Woodlands Community Garden on Thursday, July 22, 2021. The Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) is a nonprofit organization that plants and supports community orchards in the city of Philadelphia. In partnership with communities, we envision urban ecosystems that create beautiful green spaces, connect neighbors, provide hands-on learning experiences, and grow fresh fruit for generations to come. POP was a recipient of the 2020-2021 Pennsylvania Farm Bills Urban Agriculture Grant Program and awarded $25,000 for construction of the first high tunnels in Philadelphia devoted to growing fruit and perennial crops.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_028.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> From left; Ally Walsh, greater mobile markets coordinator with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank; PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding; and Lisa Freeman, owner and founder of Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse, at the farm in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse is a -acre re-developed urban area with a new high tunnel, customer area and refrigeration. Sustainability features include automated greenhouse controls, and stormwater capture. The farm mission is to serve exclusively our neighbors most at-risk for hunger, including the elderly, low-income, medically fragile and those struggling financially. In 2021, the Freeman Farm received a $1,300 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant to support a high tunnel project. And in 2020, the farm was awarded a $10,000 Fresh Food Financing Grant.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_029.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Theressa McCormic, CEO of the Pinnwheel Group, left, and PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding look at garden beds at the Boys Latin Charter Middle School in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 22, 2021. The Pinnwheel Groups primary mission is to provide an academic, social, and career development initiative which offers a STEM based educational platform customized to engage marginalized urban youth. These interventions include Agri-Science, Agri-Business, and an introduction to hands on urban farming applications which engage and challenge youth to problem-solve current healthy food desert issues, while providing real access to fresh produce products. The Pinnwheel Group received a 2021 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant in the amount of $27,500 for construction of a teaching garden at the Boys Latin Charter Middle School in Philadelphia.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18890_AGRIC_Urban_Farms_030.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>