What the Center for Urban Agriculture Brings to the Community

The Center for Urban Agriculture (CUA), at the University of Georgia’s Griffin campus, bridges the gap between city living and sustainable agriculture. Through research-based education and resources, the center empowers Georgians to cultivate thriving urban spaces—from backyard gardens to commercial landscapes, community farms to city forests. Whether you’re growing food, managing pests, developing green spaces, or seeking sustainable solutions, the center’s expertise spans the full spectrum of urban agricultural challenges. Urban agriculture offers multiple benefits, including improved food security, enhanced nutrition, increased physical activity, community building, and environmental stewardship and conservation. Urban agriculture addresses challenges within urban communities, including noise abatement, soil erosion and runoff, and preservation of wildlife habitats. It can also provide economic opportunities through production and distribution.In this first episode of the science communication venture “Urban Pods,” we meet the drivers of the Center for Urban Agriculture. Join us in this episode to learn more about CUA and help build greener, more resilient communities through innovative growing practices, environmental stewardship, and sustainable production in urban spaces.The core team of the University of Georgia's Center for Urban Agriculture featured in this episode hosted by podcast host and Plant Pathologist, Dr. Ruchika Kashyap (Dr. R);  includes Dr. Bethany Harris, the Center's Director, who oversees program expansion and strategic connections; Rolando Orellana, the Urban Water Management Agent, who focuses on irrigation and water conservation innovations; and Whitney Ottinger, the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Educator, who supports small-scale farmer education and sustainable practices. We would also like to acknowledge other members of Center for Urban Agriculture (CUA), Becky Griffin, the Community Garden Coordinator, who is best known for organizing the successful Great Southeast Pollinator Censusand leading outreach programs for school and community gardens. Additional team members support the Center for Urban Agriculture in advancing its research, education, and outreach mission. Kimberly Allen serves as Administrative Associate, providing vital administrative coordination. G. Rich Braman oversees the Center’s digital infrastructure as Systems Administrator and Developer. Beth Horne manages event planning and program logistics, and Melba Ruth Salazar Gutierrez serves as Program Coordinator for GCLP and GCPP, supporting leadership and professional development initiatives within the Center.