Guests attending The Big E‘s Farm-A-Rama running Sept. 12-28 will get to check out “an all-new urban farming exhibit,” according to organizers.
“Harvesting Change: Urban Farming in New England features an outdoor urban garden at the entrance of Farm-A-Rama,” said Director of Agriculture Elena Hovagimian. “The garden showcases growing vegetables. Inside the building, visitors can explore an educational display on real urban farms in New England and read about their stories. Daily guest groups from these farms will provide interactive talks and demonstrations.”
“I wanted to shine a light on urban gardening, especially for those living in cities—whether on a rooftop, a patio or in a community plot, everyone can grow their own food,” said Mike Pietruska, the designer behind Harvesting Change as well as The Big E’s popular ‘Power of Poop’ exhibit. “My inspiration came from visiting Erie County Fair’s Urban Garden Walk in Hamburg, N.Y., where I saw how they’ve championed urban farming and agricultural education year after year. It reinforced for me that urban farming is viable and expanding in urban neighborhoods.”
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According to The Big E, “Urban farming plays a vital role in supporting sustainable, resilient and healthy cities, and the benefits are aplenty. Producing produce locally combats food insecurity, creates shared spaces, fosters connections, reduces reliance on distant supply chains and provides nutritious food to urban communities with limited grocery access.”
“Urban farming also minimizes a city’s environmental footprint by reducing transportation emissions, repurposing or neglected properties and incorporating eco-friendly practices like composting and rainwater collection,” The Big E organizers went on to say. “Economically, it supports entrepreneurs, farmers markets and restaurants. Innovative techniques like vertical farming and hydroponics help maximize surface area, too.”
“New England’s history is rooted in farming—urban farming is just the next chapter,” said Ben Grosscup, an organizer with the Northeast Organic Farming Association that has helped to bring Harvesting Change to life.
Along with urban farming, Farm-A-Rama will feature “a broad look at numerous agricultural practices from New England,” according to The Big E:
Chick Hatchery
Farm-to-Table Experience
Agricultural Entertainment
Sow and Litter: Mother Pig and Babies
Giant Pumpkins and Squash Competition
The Hampden County Beekeepers
4-H Apple Booth
Giant Pumpkin Carving
Native Produce Displays
Landscape and Floral Designs Contest
