About the New Agrarian Center

Vision of the New Agrarian Center

From rural Lorain County to the inner-city of Cleveland, we share one thing in common: we all eat. The kinds of food choices that we make have a profound impact on the future shape of our region. Consider that almost $7 billion is spent annually on food in Cuyahoga County and the surrounding six counties. Yet, most of these food dollars leave the region and even the state of Ohio.

The New Agrarian Center is committed to building a stronger and more sustainable regional food system in Northeast Ohio- a food system that promotes health in the broadest sense of the word: healthy land, healthy communities, healthy individuals, and a healthy economy.

The work of the New Agrarian Center is based on the following core principles:

• Connecting the needs of urban and rural communities in Northeast Ohio
• Promoting food security for our communities through reliable access to local foods
• Restoring the critical ecosystem services needed for a secure food system and healthy watersheds
• Using food and the production of food as a gathering point for community, including connections between youth and elders
• Fostering collaborative partnerships with business, government, and civic organizations
• and Strengthening the agrarian economy through local provision of food, energy, and materials

The New Agrarian Center represents a growing network between rural and urban areas who are finding more in common with each other as the region confronts significant land-use challenges and questions about its economic future. Our three primary areas of impact include:

• the City Fresh program which improves local food access for inner-city residents and businesses
• the George Jones Farm which operates a community-supported farm with emphasis on youth education and training
• and the Agrarian Learning Network which facilitates learning and skill-building through local food awareness, workshops, and public events

Learn more about how a new agrarian vision can contribute to Northeast Ohio’s regional future and buy local often!