Today in Hartford there is a free event which University of Connecticut students interested in urban farming and agriculture are urged to attend.
From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. the Emerging Communities: Urban Farming and Agricultural Cooperatives in Connecticut event will be taking place.
Located in the Hartford Times Building, the event will provide students with the opportunity to get more information about fields relating to urban farming, agricultural cooperatives and food sustainability, as indicated by the event webpage.
“The event is an opportunity for groups and organizations seeking to improve the overall quality of access to good food to come together and engage with UConn students,” assistant professor in residence Stacy Maddern said. “Emerging Communities is a tabling event that extends information from urban farmers, land acquisition advocates, and agricultural organizations to students interested in careers that help to better their communities.”
I believe UConn students need to understand their role in community development and that getting involved with local food growers will help them to understand the sources and deficiencies determining access to food and how it relates to the health of their communities.
Assistant Professor Stacy Maddern
Additionally, students can learn about internships, partnerships and volunteer opportunities at the event.
“I believe UConn students need to understand their role in community development and that getting involved with local food growers will help them to understand the sources and deficiencies determining access to food and how it relates to the health of their communities,” Maddern said.
It is not required to attend the entirety of the event, as students are able to come and go as they please or based on their schedules.
“The intent is for students to be exposed to the opportunities available to them and to create an avenue in which they can become more vital participants in their communities. That can take 10 minutes, it can take an hour,” Maddern said.
For those who can’t make today’s event or those who are not studying urban and community studies, but want to get involved, UConn provides several beginner courses regarding the subject.
Maddern suggested that interested students start with Urban 2000.
“This will give them an idea of what to expect from the major or minor. I would also encourage them to explore offerings in geography where there are similar subjects with a great deal of crossover with urban and community studies,” Maddern said.