Summer Lettuce Project at JGTF
The Urban Food Systems Initiative at Kansas State University
Kansas State University‘s Urban Food Systems Initiative is an interdisciplinary collaboration by students, faculty, extension professionals, communities and industry who are focused on developing sustainable urban food systems that are inclusive, resilient, safe and diverse. Starting in 2011, K-State faculty began offering an MS degree in Horticulture with an emphasis in Urban Food Systems. Since then, the program has grown and evolved; they now offer the degree at both the Manhattan and Olathe campuses, as well as fully online. Additionally, K-State launched an Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Urban Food Systems. They offer both a traditional thesis track, as well a professional track that is completed by students already working in food systems or looking to transition into food systems work. If you’d like to learn more about the graduate program offerings, join the next informational webinar on Wednesday November 13th at 12:00pm.
Since 2004, K-State with many regional organizing committee partners, has supported the Growing Growers apprenticeship program. Growing Growers is a decentralized program wherein apprentices engage in hands-on farm work at their host farm, receive 12-month access to an extensive online course, and attend a series of in-person workshops and farm tours throughout the growing season. This program is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about sustainable specialty crop production (think veggies & fruit!). Whether you want to spend the whole season working full time on a farm or are only able to work 1 or 2 days per week – there’s something for you. Keep an eye out on the Growing Growers website this winter for the 2025 season application form.
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to join the Growing Growers email listserv to stay in the loop about upcoming workshops, conferences (like the Urban Food Systems Symposium that will be back in KC in the fall of 2026), job opportunities, farm equipment sales, and more!
For more information on any of these programs, email UFS@ksu.edu.
