We are excited to introduce Ben Booker as the new Co-Founder and General Manager of the Urban Farming Initiative! Ben joins us as a recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati, where he earned degrees in real estate, finance, and horticulture. His multifaceted background, along with his deep commitment to sustainability and innovation, positions him to be an invaluable leader as we expand our impact on urban agriculture.
Ben’s role will be critical in shaping the future of the Initiative. With his expertise in farming, he will lead the expansion of our growing operations, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of sustainable, technology-driven farming techniques. Additionally, his finance and real estate acumen will drive the development of strategic partnerships, land use plans, and new business opportunities that will allow us to scale effectively and sustainably.
Ben is also passionate about education, and we’re excited for him to help develop robust educational programs that will engage the next generation of urban farmers, entrepreneurs, and students interested in horticulture and sustainable living. His vision for community-centered growth aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are confident that his leadership will bring tremendous value to the Initiative.
We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Ben on board and are eager to see how his vision and expertise will help us grow. Please join us in welcoming him to the team, and stay tuned for exciting updates on how we will continue to transform urban farming together!
Find Us In Hamilton County’s LinkedUp Portal
Starting in October, we’re partnering with Hamilton County Schools through the LinkedUp Portal to offer class visits to our farms. This is a program designed to connect students with real-world learning experiences. Through this initiative, classes of students now have the opportunity to visit our urban farms and explore the fascinating world of sustainable, controlled environment agriculture firsthand. These visits offer students a unique experience to learn about modern farming techniques, hydroponic systems, automations, grow cycles, and the vital role that urban agriculture and food businesses play in creating sustainable community economies.
During their visit, students will get an up-close look at our cutting-edge farming operations and see how we grow fresh, nutritious produce in a fully controlled environment, right in the heart of the city. Our educational programming will allow students to engage with concepts in science, technology, and horticulture, while learning about the environmental and economic benefits of local food production. We look forward to inspiring the next generation of urban farmers and innovators through this exciting collaboration with LinkedUp!
Other Upcoming Events and Places to Engage UFI
As we continue to grow, we’re excited to share new opportunities for you to connect with the Urban Farming Initiative. From community events and workshops to pop-up markets and educational tours, there are many ways to get involved and experience the innovative work we're doing. Whether you're a local business, an aspiring urban farmer, or just curious about sustainable agriculture, we invite you to join us at our upcoming events and be a part of the UFI community!
Here's what's on the horizon:
September 11th - Dayton Startup Week
September 13th - Greater Cincinnati Business Advisory Council
September 18th - Think Like a CEO featuring Kevin Mackey @ Alloy
September 19th - Cultivate and Connect: A Celebration of Regional Food Systems
September 20th - Ohio Food Policy Summit
October 7th - StartupCincy Week featuring UFI on several panels.
Comments