CCE will manage an educational produce program for young people in Brooklyn

U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (N.Y., 12th Dist.), right, and Cornell Cooperative Extension's Gretchen Ferenz, center, gather produce with the help of youth program participant Jovan Laney at the Red Hook Farmers Market in Brooklyn, July 10. Velázquez and U.S. Rep. José E. Serrano (N.Y., 16th Dist.) were instrumental in obtaining federal funding to provide science and horticultural education and internship opportunities through CCE for young people in the South Bronx and Brooklyn. Caroline Tse/Cornell

By Blaine P. Friedlander Jr.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and the community group Added Value have received a one-year, $112,000 federal grant to bolster job training for young adults and to provide educational opportunities for teens in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The grant, supported by U.S. Reps. Nydia M. Velázquez and José E. Serrano (both D-N.Y.), is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and managed through CCE's Garden Mosaics and Urban Agriculture Program in New York City. The funding also is intended to improve the health of residents of Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood and the South Bronx.

Young people in Red Hook will study science and health, develop leadership skills and gain practical experience while growing produce on a two-acre site and selling to local markets. Restaurants in the Red Hook area will be encouraged to purchase the produce.

"We're delighted to have the support of representatives Velázquez and Serrano for extension education activities in New York City," said Gretchen Ferenz, senior extension associate and the New York City leader of CCE's Urban Environment program, which develops science-based horticulture and environmental programs for young people. "This project will provide city youth with hands-on opportunities to learn science and take positive action in their community."

Added Value, a community organization in Red Hook, develops educational opportunities for youth and adults in hands-on learning and service activities, including urban farm-based food production and farm-market development.

The Garden Mosaics and Urban Agriculture Program brings two similar educational farm and garden activities together. It is administered by CCE in New York City. Youth participants learn urban agricultural skills and conduct community action projects, such as developing and selling produce at a local farmer's market.

Velázquez and Serrano requested the funding from the congressional House Agricultural Appropriations Committee.