Massachusetts Urban Farming Symposium

Hosted by the Urban Farming Institute in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

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.

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.

What is the Massachusetts Urban Farming Symposium

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.

How This Symposium Advances UFI’s Mission

2026 Symposium Recap

On March 28, 2026, the Urban Farming Institute, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, welcomed more than 215 attendees to the Massachusetts Urban Farming Symposium at UMass Boston.

Farmers, youth leaders, educators, policymakers, and community partners from across the Commonwealth gathered for a full day of learning, collaboration, and connection focused on strengthening local food systems and expanding access to nutritious, locally grown food.

The symposium featured keynote reflections from Karen Washington, whose opening and closing remarks grounded the day in the importance of community leadership and food sovereignty.

We were also honored to welcome Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle, who joined the symposium for the full day and offered remarks to both the general and youth audiences.

Sessions throughout the day addressed critical topics including food access, land partnerships, business planning, and strategies to navigate uncertainty in the current food system landscape.

The Youth Track, led by Emmanuel Pratt of the Sweet Water Foundation, and Tu Phan of the Urban Farming Institute, created a vibrant and engaging space for young people to explore urban agriculture through hands-on learning, creative expression, and dialogue. Highlights included a propagation workshop, a multi-station resilience space, and a youth panel featuring emerging leaders.

Because of the people and organizations who joined us, the symposium reflected the strength, diversity, and commitment of the urban agriculture community in Massachusetts.

Partners

The Massachusetts Urban Farming Symposium is proudly hosted by the Urban Farming Institute in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR).