Re-Framing the Paradigm

Conference Session 1 is all about defining the unique circumstances offarming on the urban edge so that we can begin to build better roadmaps towards sustaining farm viability and re-framing what agriculture can look like in peri-urban regions. We will take a historical look at farming in peri-urban contexts and how urbanization has affected farm viability in different ways. An array of special guest panelist speakers will provide insights and perspectives on some currently known challenges and opportunities for peri-urban farmers regardless of farm type or size. Together we will define sets of needs that are relatively specific to new/beginning farmers, first-generation farmers, and multigenerational farmers and discuss what role the Peri-Urban Agriculture Network is intended to play in supporting peri-urban farmers and agricultural economies in the long-term.

November 12, 2021 @ 2:45 - 5:30 PM PST

Panelist Speakers

Justin O’Dea, Regional Agriculture Specialist/ Peri-urban Agriculture Network PI, WSU Extension - Justin administers the Southwest WA Regional Agriculture Extension program for WSU, a region that falls within the Portland-metro area. Justin focuses on specialty crop production and strategies for farms to be profitable, sustainable, and resilient in regions with high urbanization pressure, but with strong potential for growth in local, high-value, and direct markets.

Addie Candib, Pacific Northwest Regional Director, American Farmland Trust - Addie is the Pacific Northwest Regional Director at the American Farmland Trust and is a facilitator and mediator with a community-based dispute resolution center. She is an advocate for preserving land and farmland access and the co-founder of Washington’s Young Farmers Coalition.

Dr. Catherine Brinkley, Associate Professor and Director, UC Davis Center for Regional Change - Catherine is an associate Professor in Human Ecology, Community and Regional Development in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Catherine has written several publications on the benefits of preserving agriculture on the urban fringe, recentering the commons, food system planning, successful planning policies, community-based solutions, and how land and agriculture are economically devalued against land development for other urban interests.

Ray Williams, Director, Black Farmers Collective - Ray is the Managing Director of the Black Farmers Collective including a farm incubator project on the edge of the Seattle-metro area, whose mission is to build a Black-led food system by developing a cooperative network of food system stakeholders, acquiring and stewarding land, facilitating food system education, and creating space for Black liberation in healing and joy.

David Hedlin, Farmer/Owner, Hedlin Family Farm - Dave is a multi-generational farmer farming on the edge of the greater Seattle-metro area and selling to a diverse market. He has transitioned the farm to focus on high-value crops, certified Organic production, and value-added farm products, and has fostered many connections with the local community and businesses.

Amanda Merrow, Farmer/Owner, Amber Waves Farm - Amanda and Katie own Amber Waves Farm on the edge of the greater New York City-metro area. They have been featured in many magazines and podcasts for their innovative work at their farm. Since starting the farm they have successfully built a CSA, innovated to include wheat production into their farm, built strong relationships with local artisan bread makers and crafters, and started an expanding apprenticeship program.

Jennifer Halsey Dupree, Farmer/Owner, Milk Pail Farms - Jennifer Halsey is a 12th generation peri-urban farmers operating one of the oldest farm operations in the country on the edge of the New York City-metro area. She has worked to transition the farm from a dairy to a more urban-focused market model with a u-pick farm and farm store.