Program Action Teams
Sustainable Urban Food Systems
Situation
Food production and distribution within and around population centers play an important role in supporting access to fresh food, strengthening public health, and enhancing community well-being. These systems also contribute to local economies, support workforce development, and improve the use of available land and resources.
Urban agriculture includes small-scale farms, community and school gardens, backyard and rooftop growing, controlled environment production, and other innovative methods that maximize output in limited spaces. Urban food systems also include local markets, farm stands, community-supported agriculture, and regional supply networks that connect producers to nearby consumers.
These efforts can also help reduce food loss and improve the efficiency of food systems.
As population patterns continue to shift, more people are living in and around population centers, increasing demand for local food production, distribution, and education. Cooperative Extension plays an important role in supporting these efforts through research-based programs, technical assistance, and community engagement.
How has the Cooperative Extension System responded?
Extension professionals are supporting food systems development through a range of practical, locally driven efforts. These include expanding local food production, reducing food loss and waste, supporting small business development, and providing education related to nutrition, food preparation, and physical activity.
Extension also works with communities to strengthen local food access, support youth workforce development, and promote efficient land use practices that improve overall quality of life.
What more can be done?
The Cooperative Extension System has a long history of strengthening agricultural production and supporting communities nationwide. Building on this foundation, Extension is well positioned to expand its role in supporting food systems in and around population centers.
With offices in most U.S. counties, Cooperative Extension can respond to growing demand by expanding programs, strengthening partnerships, and increasing coordinati
on across institutions.
The Urban Agriculture and Food Systems ECOP Program Action Team provides national leadership for this work by focusing on:
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Developing and sharing practical resources
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Expanding and implementing effective programs
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Building strategic partnerships with organizations that support food production and distribution
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Strengthening coordination across Land-grant University research and Extension efforts
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Organizing and supporting project teams to advance targeted initiatives
Contact Information
PAT Leaders:
Brad Gaolach
Andra Johnson
Katherine Williams
Jeff Young
USDA-NIFA Liaison:
Jessica Shade
Extension Foundation Contacts:
Regan Emmons
Megan Hirschman
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