Will Allen, a former professional basketball player-turned urban farming pioneer, has attracted the attention of president-elect Barack Obama’s transition team. Allen is the founder and CEO of Growing Power, a nonprofit farm on Milwaukee’s north side that raises fresh produce for populations within the city who may not eat enough produce:
Obama’s transition team last month sought out Allen, winner of a $500,000 “genius grant” from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, to learn more about his innovative approach to growing healthy food for urban populations, and training farmers to raise fresh produce and fish in cities.
Allen said he was among several people invited to participate in a conference call with Obama advisers gathering food policy information for the new administration’s Department of Agriculture. Allen said he spoke to the team specifically about training urban farmers and setting up local, sustainable food systems.
When asked if he would accept a job in Washington with the Department of Agriculture, Will Allen made it clear he has no interest in leaving Milwaukee (emphasis mine):
“My name has been out there, but I’m not interested,” Allen said. “I like working in communities, and with infrastructure development. I want to be a voice, but I’ve gotta touch the soil, too.”
As someone who’s enjoyed the Market Baskets put together by Growing Power, I can say I’m glad Will Allen wants to continue the work he’s doing, because he’s doing a great service to this community.
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