Erie County, through its Live Well Erie initiative, is committed to improve the well-being of all members of the Erie County community. The idea is that it takes a village to make a difference. We need the entire village to ensure that all residents, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, or address have an opportunity to succeed and live vibrant lives. In this new Erie County, no one will be left behind.
The Erie County Office of Agriculture supports Live Well Erie and stands with those who demand justice, take a stand for equity, and commit to inclusivity for all. There is no place in our communities for racism, and there is no sector of our society that is untouched by this deep-rooted history – including agriculture. In New York State’s $42 billion agriculture and food industry, the disparities between black farmers and white farmers are best summarized by the existence of only 139 black farmers among the over 57,000 farmers in New York State.1
The Erie County Office of Agriculture would like to use this platform to spotlight Urban Fruits & Veggies (UFV), a black-owned urban farm located in Buffalo, NY. Produce grown at UFV can be found at local schools, businesses, and restaurants, as well as at the North Buffalo and Kenmore Farmer’s Markets. UFV is concerned with how the produce is grown and the quality of the produce when delivered to customers, using only the best seeds, soil and organic fertilizers. UFV is currently working on a second location called “Bailey Green” that will feature hydroponic greenhouses, a fruit tree orchard, community garden, and a street-level café and green market with upper-level apartments. In addition to urban farming, UBV participates in the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx). FVRx is a program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that promotes affordable access to fruits and vegetables and healthy eating in underserved communities through partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations and fresh produce retailers.
You can find more information on UFV at Erie Grown and on their website.
1Source: Allison DeHonney
