2015 ASHS Annual Conference

August 02 - 07, 2015

One of the nation’s most important movements related to horticulture is the urban farming movement and access to fresh produce in underserved and other urban environments. These movements are huge opportunities for horticulture and related sciences to simultaneously serve the sciences and the local and global society. Efforts to study, develop, and support these movements include partners from both private and public institutions, individuals, communities, industries, schools, and faith-based institutions throughout the country. Starting with an introduction to one NGO’s efforts to bring fresh produce to several U.S. cities, including inner-city New Orleans, this workshop will include brief introductory presentations before becoming an open discussion of current and future efforts to bring fresh produce to underserved areas. The discussions may include audience descriptions of efforts they are involved in; perceived current and future needs; introductions and networking opportunities; current and future research; teaching and extension/service needs; integration of horticultural expertise into community projects; and current and future financial, physical and human support for these efforts. In addition to the workshop, a short, informal tour to a New Orleans center providing fresh produce for underserved clientele is planned. The tour will complement the workshop, providing context for discussions at the workshop and in the future. Both the workshop and the tour are designed with the underlying objective of bringing together interested ASHS members and leveraging their interest and expertise in this space now and in the future.