Local Hero: Jodi Kushins, Urban Farmer
What have you learned about urban farming over the last five years at Over the Fence Urban Farm?
No two farms in Columbus are alike; we each have a special niche in the landscape. This is probably true of all farms, but especially in the city. We’re all experimenting with different models for growing in small spaces and developing markets for our products. That said, everyone I know in this game is dedicated to the idea that what we do makes a positive impact on the lives of people who eat what we produce and on the land that we tend.
Why is community and having a community-supported agriculture share so important to the work you do?
I’m interested in how food binds people to one another and to place. I believe that the stories we tell about the food we eat affects how it tastes. I like food seasoned with local and cooperative flavorings. As I eat a salad, I remember my daughter helping me sow the seeds, Nancy helping me transplant the seedlings and Elizabeth watering from the rain barrel filled by last week’s deluge.
For a long time I wanted to work in a community garden, to grow alongside other people. I explored a few ideas for starting a community garden in Columbus but was ultimately put off by the hurdles required for working on public land. Using privately owned parcels to house a cooperatively maintained farm has allowed me to cut through the red tape to a large extent. In other ways, it challenges me to define Over the Fence as a community endeavor. We share our work more publicly through our blog and Facebook page. I’m always amazed when I see people across the world are following what we’re doing. We’re part of a global community of growers, not just our local one.
Who are some of your local heroes and how have they shaped your mission and values?
I spent my first three years in Columbus as a resident of the Ohio State University. Once I graduated and decided to stay in town I volunteered as an organizer with The Community Festival (ComFest). Working alongside the founding members of that organization, I heard stories about community-driven initiatives born of the Vietnam War protest era, some still in operation today. I learned a lot from attending planning meetings where every voice was given time. My work with ComFest taught me that Columbus is a city where individuals can, and do, make a difference on large and small projects every day.
What do you love about working with the earth come summertime?
I love stepping out my back door to greet the chickens and check on the plants early in the morning, then staying out with them until the sun goes down. I love feeling the sun toasting my skin and the sweat dripping down my face in the hours in between.
I love stuffing myself with vineripened tomatoes, listening to the sounds of birds and gathering flowers. I love trying new recipes and sharing the harvest, alongside some ice-cold beers, with friends around the fire pit.
Learn more about Jodi and her urban farm at www.overthefenceurbanfarm.com
