Reconnecting with Agriculture:
The diminishing number of farmers is a problem for sustainable agriculture across America. In communities such as Edmonston, the Port Towns and other inner-Beltway neighborhoods of Prince George’s County, where farming and food production have not been part of the social fabric for generations, we are working to rebuild connections to agriculture as a key tool for improving community health.
Part of our mission is to train farmers who will go on to grow healthy produce and livestock in Prince George’s County, in both urban and rural settings, and to sell that produce through farmers markets, community supported agriculture programs, and retail outlets within the county. Our model of farming offers equal opportunity challenges and rewards, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age or country of origin. Everyone eats, and we want everyone to see farming and food production as a viable pursuit if they so choose.
Training Programs
We offer a series of classes leading to a Certificate in Commercial Urban Agriculture. The next session begins in May 2011. Click here to view the flyer: Summer 2011 PGCC Flyer. These courses are a great way to learn the basics of intensive growing on small acreage using hoophouses and vermicompost, skills which are applicable to both urban and rural settings. The courses include hands-on training at ECO City Farms in Edmonston.
To register, see the Summer 2011 Schedule of Noncredit Classes, available at local libraries and community centers, or online at www.pgcc.edu (click on Owl Link, then click on Workforce Development and Cont. Ed. Students, then click on Register Cont. Ed. Courses).
We have also just finished a year-long New Urban/Immigrant Farmer Training Program in conjunction with Crossroads Farmers Market. We look forward to offering this program again in the near future.
