Know Better to Grow Better

Mila k. Marshall, Ph.D. staff editor

Eden Place Farms and Learning Center has been in operation for nearly ten years. The center has supported nearly 1000 urban farmer and grower skills since their opening. He shares “we’ve had several programs with state, academic and federal partners. Eden Place Farms has worked with well over 500 gardens and we want to keep helping the safety of growers, consumers, and natural resources.

“I’ve never looked into sanitation protocols, but I source from farms with high quality but now that I think about it there could be room for improvement to maintain industry standards,” shared Chef Tsadakeeyah Emmanuel of Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine.

“Sourcing for Majani is intentional. We’ve purchased microgreens in the past that last maybe 3 days from one vendor and eral government signed the Food Safety Modernization Act to protect public health from getting ill. In June of 2023 Illinois strawberries were recalled by the FDA due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A linked to organic strawberries from Mexico. In April, salad kits for kids sold in Illinois was recalled due to concerns over ‘listeria’ contamination which can cause meningitis, or sepsis in sensitive populations including pregnant women and those over 65.While none of the recalled produce came from Chicago growers and farmers it is imperative to protect the future of the food industry through safety first and foremost. Having the most skilled agricultural workforce in the Midwest does nothing more than protect the investments the city has made to grow this seedling of an industry.

Eden Place Farms is right on track to be the leaders in ensuring growers, retailers and farm coordinators are trained and aware of the resources accessible to them.

“On Friday July 7th we are partnering with University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Department of Agriculture to do a food safety bootcamp to train urban farmers and growers to be GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certified and ready,” said Howard. Food safety experts will give the latest information. FSMA through a 4-hour training and lunch will be provided for the first 50 registrants at their farm located in the community of Fuller Park 4911 S. Shields. The session begins at 10am-2pm and all participants must be pre-registered.

“We really want to see people that are growing food and people purchasing food, as well as those in retail. We believe everyone should be aware of FSMA and begin working towards making sure farmers and growers are eligible for grant dollars and to sell their commodities in the city,” said Howard. Interested parties and programs can contact Michael Howard for details on how to register by calling 773-801-7264.