An Urban Farming Initiative Summit will be held from 1-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Sadler Room of the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
The city of Pine Bluff Department of Community Development will host the event, according to a news release.
“The Urban Farming Initiative Summit is free a workshop that will give individuals or groups an opportunity to create and develop urban gardens or become beginner farmers,” according to the release. “Local farms and gardens keep money circulating in their communities rather than exporting it to absentee owners or shareholders, and the benefits are passed on to local restaurants, farmers markets, retailers and consumers.”
Summit participants will learn the basics on how to plan and start an urban garden, how to market them and how they can profit from creating a garden.
The summit will include an overview of the potential varieties of gardens and the contribution producing makes towards creating a local food system.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Each participant will be given an opportunity to obtain or lease city-owned lots for production and sell their produce at the farmer’s market. They will also be presented with funding opportunities available for individuals needing start-up capital. The summit is open to all interested individuals, groups and businesses,” according to the release.
For individuals, the Urban Farming Initiative is a way for people to become entrepreneurs, earn additional income or add a healthier component to their food consumption.
For nonprofit groups, members will gain the same benefits as individuals. In addition, the summit will provide an opportunity for groups interested in raising funds while giving back to the community.
“Time used to create and maintain the gardens or sell the produce can give nonprofit group members community service hours. Revenue obtained from produce sales provides groups funding for their organization. Group members obtain knowledge of a skillset that can be used in any area of their lives to be used whenever and however they choose to produce healthy foods for their family, community, and themselves,” according to the release.
The summit is free to attend, however participants may RSVP by email to ctaylor@cityofpinebluff.com or phone to 870-543-1820 Ext. 231. Walk-ins will be welcome on a first come first served basis until capacity is reached, according to the release.