Urban Farming Peaks Interest in USDA Representative - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Franque Thompson

OMAHA (KPTM)- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Deputy Undersecretary, Joani Walsh paid a visit to Omaha and was impressed by all the ideas to expand farming in urban areas.

"Folks are already working together.  There's a lot of creative, innovative work going on in the ground here in Omaha.  So I was really impressed with what was already happening," said Walsh.

This was news community gardener's were thrilled to hear.

"The more we can get out and doing something, the better," said Kurt Goetzinger, owner of the Benson Community Garden.

The mission of USDA's visit was to ensure support from drought relief and to encourage more access to fresh fruits and vegetables in all areas of the city. 

"We know that the more that we can connect the producers in our community to the individuals and citizens in our community, the better off we are," said Mary Balluff of the Douglas County Health Department.

"They have a lot of high quality food that a lot of parts of Omaha don't have.  So it's great to know that there will be more community gardens and more urban ag in the town," said Goetzinger.

Not everyone can afford fresh produce.  So the Benson garden offers free vegetables to pick to area residents in their "neighbor garden."  It's seen as another way to give back to the community.

"The neighborhood has really embraced it.  And every time, they waive thank you to the gardeners and it's been a good thing," said Goetzinger.

Mayor Jim Suttle says one goal is to start community gardening in north Omaha.  He says this will gives families a chance to grow their own produce and help fight hunger in the community.