Urban Farmer Youth Symposium showcases agricultural entrepreneurship projects

Above: Edible Flower Garden was one of nearly a dozen agricultural entrepreneurship projects showcased by youth at Central State University Extension's Urban Farmer Youth Symposium.

A brisk wind swept across Central State University's Wilberforce campus on a recent Saturday, but inside the event space, the atmosphere was anything but cold. Laughter, learning, and the scent of fresh herbs filled the air as youth from across southwest Ohio gathered for the Urban Farmer Youth Symposium hosted by Central State University Extension, proudly showcasing their sustainable farming projects. 

The April 26 event brought together young visionaries from urban farms in Trotwood, Dayton, Springfield, and Cincinnati, all supported by CSU Extension. The participating youth were part of the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative, a program providing youth with entrepreneurial opportunities through developing value-added agricultural products. 

The youth were involved with growing crops on urban farms and creating products for sale. The symposium was an opportunity for them to showcase their projects. 

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Ohio Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson, the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 111 that provided funding, developed the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative. The symposium was more than just an agricultural exhibition; it celebrated community, youth empowerment, and a shared commitment to cultivating a healthier, more sustainable future. 

Among the budding change-makers was Efinity Harvest Farm, a Trotwood-based initiative founded in 2022 by Christa Wheeler. The youth involved with the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative learned about holistic practices for agricultural production. Activities range from hydroponic gardening and making cucumber salsa to birdwatching and outdoor adventures, encouraging kids to unplug and reconnect with nature. 

“Our goal is to grow food for a healthy life, but learn how to create fresh salsa, fruit cups and juices, as well as protein boxes,” Wheeler said, smiling as she surveyed the vibrant display of greens and herbs. 

“Farm to table, thriving together.” 

Nearby, the sweet scent of mint and pansies floated through the air at the Edible Flower Garden booth. Horace Arnold led the colorful and creative project. The youth involved with the garden experienced new approaches to sustainability by utilizing flowers for value-added products. In partnership with Westwood Schools, Central State University and Revival Center Ministries, the 12-week program teaches students how to grow and cook with edible flowers. 

“We want kids to know that the flowers they grow can be healthy, fun and even edible,” Arnold said. 

His students sell flower-based teas, cookies, and treats at their farmers market, turning gardening into a learning experience and an entrepreneurial venture. 

Springfield Ohio Urban Plantfolk, or SOUP, founded in 2016 by Sherry Chen, was also present. The youth participating with SOUP in the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative engaged with agriculture and value-added production to learn about teamwork and future pathways. The cohort included two groups; the first focused on youth with developmental disabilities, and the second focused on youth working toward completing high-school requirements while learning workforce skills.  

“Everything we do is focused on food security,” Chen said. 

Urban farms from Cincinnati also made a strong showing. Jackson Street Farms focuses on urban youth gardening, hands-on farming, sustainability, and environmental education. The Cincinnati Urban Youth Garden emphasizes agricultural entrepreneurship, teaching young people how to bring their produce from farm to market with confidence and business savvy. Urban Youth Farm Cincinnati was also represented.

From Trotwood, Glorified Dirt made its presence known with bold displays and a strong message of community stewardship. Youth involved with the urban farm learned about the roots of farming and how growing food is the essence of life. The farm’s motto, “A little dirt won’t hurt,” resonated with many attendees as a proud embrace of the hard work and joy of nurturing the land. 

Cincinnati's One Day at a Time Urban Farm taught the youth about the food system and how the community can benefit. From planting to food processing, youth learn every aspect of the food cycle. The youth could grow the food and learn how to create fresh salsa, fruit cups, and juices, and protein boxes. 

Throughout the event, parents, mentors and educators watched proudly as students shared what they had grown in the soil and within themselves. Many of the projects were not only agricultural but also deeply rooted in community values and social impact, addressing issues such as food insecurity, environmental stewardship, and youth mental wellness through nature-based engagement. 

As the symposium concluded, Central State University Extension and its 4-H partners took a moment to honor the achievements of the youth and the leaders guiding them. From porch gardens to edible blooms, the message was clear: These young farmers are not only planting seeds in the earth; they are sowing seeds of change in their communities. 

“We are proud of what these young people are building,” said Janet Corne’y, 4-H Interim Program Leader. 

“They are the future of food, the future of farming, and the future of community resilience.”

The day's keynote speaker, Terrence Grace, a United States Army veteran and retired inspector/investigator from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, commended participating youth for their curiosity and disposition regarding urban sustainable agriculture through their various farm affiliations. He said that such a focused relationship with the earth would propel them to seek future solutions to food insecurity and food deserts in their communities

The Central State University Urban Farmer Youth Symposium was a powerful reminder that innovation can start with a seed, a paintbrush, a tea leaf, or a patch of soil. It is about connection, care, and cultivating the next generation of leaders who believe in growing something greater than themselves. 

For more information, contact Corne’y at jcorney@centralstate.edu.