Roots of Innovation – Ohio’s Urban Farming Legacy

In this episode of Tech to Table – Growing Cleveland’s Future, we step outside city limits to learn from Ohio’s broader urban and community farming network. Host Anthony Gillespie of Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute spotlights the work of Central State University’s Agriculture and Natural Resources team, an inspiring example of how communities across the state are building resilient food systems, supporting local growers, and leveraging innovation to strengthen their future. Joining Anthony are two leaders shaping this movement: Dr. Alcinda “Cindy” Folck, Associate Extension Administrator and Program Leader of Agriculture and Natural Resources at CSU Extension, and Marc Amante, Interim Program Leader and Extension Educator for Southwest Ohio. Together, they share how CSU Extension is working with underserved and underrepresented populations, advancing sustainable practices, and nurturing the next generation of growers. Dr. Folck brings more than 30 years of experience in Ohio agriculture, from livestock and soil conservation to statewide extension programming. Marc Amante, a farmer and educator with a background in agroecology and nonprofit food access, combines hands-on farming knowledge with a passion for helping others launch and sustain their own operations. Through their stories, listeners will gain insight into Ohio’s deep agricultural legacy, the vital role of education and outreach in shaping community resilience, and the lessons Cleveland can learn from its neighbors. This episode plants seeds of collaboration, showing how local and statewide efforts can come together to grow stronger, healthier, and more equitable food systems.