A youthful, yet purposeful air filled the site of the weekly Wednesday Greenmarket between 1st and 2nd Ave at 47th St. Perhaps it was the Teen Iron Chefs from Urban Assembly HS in Brooklyn, or the young famers and entrepreneurs of the Youth Farmers Market and Learn It Grow It Eat It Programs (both run by Council on the Environment/Greenmarkets), or the Youth Caucus visiting from the Commission on Sustainable Development session at the UN. But one thing was for sure, young people are ever more aware of the social, economic and environmental challenges facing the world regarding agriculture, food, farming and nutrition.
In addition to the farmers, bakers, poultry and fish producers from Upstate, Long Island that are usually at the market, the global youth got together with the local youth who were showcasing their innovative agriculture and food programs. The teens and college age youth were joined by international and US delegates and other representatives, who came to the market from the high level ministers meeting for some fresh air and conversation. Representatives from the State Department, US Department of Agriculture, Governor Patterson’s Office and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and dozens of other delegations joined the youth. Friends, family, neighbors and members of the Food Systems Network NYC, Just Food, World Hunger Year communities all gathered to share ideas and experience the power of motivated youth.
One UN Youth Caucus member summed it up best when she said,” the farmer is the first active agent in human society. So the importance of the famer and farming is paramount.”
There is a role for cities in sustainable development and for ensuring food security and vibrant markets in all communities. Connecting cities to the countryside vis a vis efficient supply chian infrastructure helps not only keep rural farmers in business but also provides access by all communities to good, healthy and affordable foods from the local region. As another member of the Youth Caucus put it, with regions feeding cities “Youth and skilled workers will be encouraged to stay in rural areas where they will be able to get an education and make a living.” The myriad of faces was a real testament to the diversity that Sustainable Development can foster. On a global scale.
With plenty of good food, including samplings of Kenyan Spiced Greens and Tuscan Bread Salad, and harp music played by Alicia Cundall, this lively crowd moved to a youthful beat, one that lasted beyond the winding down of the weekly farmers market. Here in New York City, Family Cook Productions’ Teen Iron Chef and the Greenmarkets youth programs will carry the message throughout the school year. Members of the Youth Caucus, representing 53 countries, are already scheduling their visits to CSD-18 in May 2010, and their visit to Dag Hammerskjold Farmers Market.
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