Trenton residents will be invited to help develop plans for urban agriculture, sustainability and green-job opportunities during a community meeting Aug. 11.
“The Trenton Transformation: Trenton Grows Forward Urban Ag and Sustainability Community Meeting” will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mercer County Community College’s James Kerney Campus, 102 N. Broad St.
The free event is being hosted by Producers1 Agriculture Group & Sustainable Solutions in partnership with the City of Trenton and Mercer County Community College’s horticulture program. Refreshments will be provided.
Community leaders, educators, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, environmental entrepreneurs and residents are expected to discuss ways to strengthen local food systems and improve access to fresh food in underserved communities.
Topics will include community garden design, composting, beekeeping, stormwater management, solar energy and green entrepreneurship. Organizers said the meeting also will help establish the foundation for an action plan addressing urban agriculture and sustainability in Trenton and elsewhere in New Jersey.
“The timing is right for such an event for a great city like Trenton. I am excited to be a part of such an event, especially being from Trenton and understanding the needs of the community in which we serve,” said Tameko Webster, deputy assistant secretary and chief operating officer of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
The meeting will include a panel discussion, breakout sessions and remarks from officials and community leaders involved in agriculture policy, education and community development.
“Trenton has everything it needs to grow its own future: the land, the talent, and the will. On August 11th we are pulling up a seat at the table for every resident and stakeholder who wants to help shape what comes next,” said Manatee Smith, president and CEO of Producers1 Agriculture Group & Sustainable Solutions.
Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said urban agriculture could contribute to healthier neighborhoods while creating opportunities for city residents.
“Trenton deserves a community conversation about what it means to grow food right here in our city. Urban agriculture is about more than gardens—it’s about sustainability, healthier neighborhoods, and creating opportunities for residents. I believe Trenton can be on the cutting edge of urban farming, and I encourage everyone to join us as we explore what’s possible,” Gusciora said.
Other scheduled speakers include state Sen. Shirley Turner; Mercer County Executive Dan Benson; Trenton Councilwoman-at-Large Yazminelly Gonzalez; and Gonzalo Perez, associate provost at MCCC’s James Kerney Campus.
Also scheduled to participate are Otha Caldwell, director of community development planning and urban agriculture at Isles; David DeFrange II of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and MCCC’s horticulture and urban agriculture programs; Elizabeth Mizerek, dean of science, health professions and nursing at MCCC; and farmer and community gardening educator Tomia MacQueen.
Producers1 Agriculture Group & Sustainable Solutions is a certified small and minority-owned business that uses agriculture and agribusiness programs to improve access to healthy food in underserved urban and rural communities. The organization also works to create opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers and producers.
Attendees are asked to register in advance. For more information, visit producers1aggroup.com or email m7cdc217@gmail.com.
