Finally a good sign for sustainable agriculture from the Obama administration. Last week, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s political blog noted that Obama’s transition officials have been in touch with one of VFG’s heroes, Will Allen.
As you’ll recall, Allen is the recipient of a $500K MacArthur Genius Grant and is the founder and CEO of the urban farm enterprise Growing Power.
Allen told the blog that he was among several individuals asked to take part in a conference call in which Obama advisers were collecting food policy information for the Ag Department.
Allen spoke specifically about training urban farmers and setting up local, sustainable food systems.
Good news indeed to hear that Team Obama is talking to folks like Allen.
Don’t expect Allen to pick up and take an Ag post in D.C.
“My name has been out there, but I’m not interested,” Allen is quoted saying. “I like working in communities, and with infrastructure development. I want to be a voice, but I’ve gotta touch the soil, too.”
But if Team Obama wants a pick up game, Allen, a former basketball player, is in: “At my age, I’d have to wrap my knees and ankles, and arms and shoulders. But I’d give it a go.”
Thanks to Food Fight’s Chris Taylor for tipping me to the story.
Virtual Farmgirl 