Hosted by the Urban Farming Institute in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
March 28, 2026 | UMASS Boston Campus Center
The Massachusetts Urban Farming Symposium is a one-day, in-person convening bringing together urban farmers, growers, youth, policymakers, and local government leaders from across the Commonwealth. Hosted by the Urban Farming Institute (UFI) in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), the symposium focuses on strengthening resilient, locally rooted food systems through farmer leadership, collaboration, and practical action.
What is the Massachusetts Urban Farming Symposium
The Massachusetts Urban Farming Symposium is a biannual gathering designed to support the continued growth and sustainability of urban agriculture in Massachusetts. At a time of economic uncertainty, climate pressure, and shifting public investment, the symposium creates space for shared learning, relationship-building, and coordinated problem-solving across the urban farming ecosystem.
Participants come together to exchange knowledge, explore innovative approaches, and strengthen partnerships that support farmers, youth, and communities. The symposium centers the belief that resilient food systems are built through collaboration, local leadership, and sustained investment in people.
How This Symposium Advances UFI’s Mission
The Urban Farming Institute works to cultivate a new generation of urban farming leaders through farmer training, youth education, and systems-level change. The Massachusetts Urban Farming Symposium is a core extension of this work.
By convening farmers, educators, youth, and decision-makers in one space, the symposium supports hands-on learning and technical skill-building for urban farmers, leadership development and educational pathways for youth, and stronger collaboration between growers and policymakers. The event reflects UFI’s commitment to farmer-centered, community-driven approaches that build long-term resilience beyond short-term funding cycles.
What to Expect
The 2026 symposium will feature a dynamic, full-day program designed to inform, connect, and inspire action. Attendees can expect:
A main-stage program with speakers and facilitates conversations
Concurrent sessions focused on practical strategies for urban farming
Workshops and applied learning opportunities
A dedicated youth track centered on leadership development and education
An exhibitor area in the main space featuring over 10 organizations and vendors
Structured and informal networking opportunities
Who Should Attend
Urban farmers and growers seeking tools, partnerships, and peer learning to strengthen their operations
Youth and educators interested in leadership development, education, and pathways into food systems and urban agriculture
Policymakers and local government leaders working as collaborators and decision-makers to support urban farmers and build resilient local food systems
Food system partners committed to community-based, equitable solutions
Registration & Participation
Attend the Symposium
Join fellow farmers, youth leaders, policymakers, and partners for a full day of learning and collaboration in Boston.
Registration will open on February 1, 2026. Early bird pricing available February 1-16, 2026.
Exhibit
Share your work, products, or services with farmers, policymakers, and community leaders in the symposium exhibitor area.
Sponsor
Support farmer education, youth leadership development, and resilient food systems while gaining meaningful visibility before, during, and after the event.
Partners
The Massachusetts Urban Farming Symposium is proudly hosted by the Urban Farming Institute in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR).
FAQ
Is this event in person?
Yes. The Massachusetts Urban Farming Symposium 2026 will be 100% in-person and will not have a remote/virtual component.
Where is the event located?
The event will take place at the UMASS Boston Campus Center located at 100 William T Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125.
Will sessions be recorded?
Select sessions will be made available to registered participants following the event.
For questions or additional information, please contact