Marcel van Ooyen (Executive Director of CENYC) moderated the panel of Greenmarket’s co-founder Bob Lewis, chef/writer Dan Barber, and educator/urban farmer Ian Marvy.
They talked about urban planning, more green space, space to grow food, rooftop gardens, community gardens, child education and involvement, food stamps, wi-fi in Union Square, the city as an agricultural ecosystem and the regional impact of farmer's markets and CSAs -- among other things.
What struck me was that there was a lot of passion in the room. Passion for a better way. Passion to push the envelope. And that's pretty exciting stuff.
I see a need for 2 things:
1) an incubator for food/agricultural/urban planning projects and ideas (perhaps at a university),
2) a virtual or face-time networking mechanism (Google Groups, Facebook, MeetUp or potluck) for people to exchange their Give-Get so more of these projects can get going.
I'm a big fan of networking but realize it does not come easily or naturally to many people. By touching base within and outside of our own food/urban circles, we can learn from each other and share our successes as well as challenges.
There's a lot to be said for endorsing other people's projects, much in the same way we endorse specific candidates or they, in turn, support our projects.
Mind meld! Collaborate! It's much easier and it can be a whole lot of fun.
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