Patrice Brown has been named the city of Detroit, MI’s new Associate Director of Urban Agriculture. Brown – who brings over 9 years of experience in developing opportunities for food retailers and helping local communities increase their access to food – will be working to improve food security, streamline services for gardens and farms, and improve neighborhoods through sustainable practices.
Late last year, Mayor MIke Duggan announced the appointment of the city’s first Urban Agriculture Director, Tepfirah Rushdan, with the purpose of encouraging urban farming by improving city policies and reducing red tape. Since its inception, the Office of Urban Agriculture has worked on several key initiatives aimed at helping Detroiters access land, water, and other resources needed for farming.
“Detroit values our urban agriculture community, and we want to continue encouraging farming as the demand for land in the city increases,” said Mayor Duggan. “Patrice Brown, in partnership with Tepfirah Rushdan and the Office of Sustainability, will ensure that our administration supports urban farmers whose work significantly contributes to the city’s sustainability efforts and economic growth.”
Brown’s proven track record of collaborating with various local organizations and nonprofits will enhance her ability to work closely with city departments to create sustainable practices and improve urban agriculture. Brown plans to expand spaces designated for agriculture and place an emphasis on Agribusiness in Detroit.
“I am excited to help create more streamlined services, increase food security, and improved neighborhood environments through the sustainable practices within urban AG. I’m especially excited about creating a greener and healthier Detroit,” said Brown. “It is important that residents in the agricultural community, navigate city services more effectively. We are in a pivotal place in urban AG across the US and the world is watching the Detroit AG community. I’m excited to show how our neighborhood environments can be transformed through food.”