On August 13, Everett Community Growers (ECG) cohosted an intimate roundtable conversation with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Commissioner Ashley Randle of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources on the future of urban agriculture in Massachusetts’ 7th District. Held at the Tremont St. Community Garden, Everett’s sole community growing space, this gathering brought together Everett Mayor Robert Van Campen, State Senator Sal Didomenico, urban farmers, food advocates, and youth in agriculture for an open dialogue focused on expanding state and municipal support for urban farmers, addressing the problems and potential solutions for land access, and strengthening city-farmer relationships. The convening was part of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) annual Urban Agriculture Week.
Everett Community Growers is dedicated to building a more just and equitable environment through urban agriculture, youth development, policy advocacy, and community engagement. Founded by Everett residents seeking space to grow fresh food, ECG operates Everett’s only community garden, community farm, and farmstand. As the sole organization devoted to environmental and food justice in Everett, ECG grows and distributes fresh, nutritious produce while leading community-driven change efforts.
Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Week is an annual awareness week that celebrates agriculture in cities and urban neighborhoods. Throughout the week, urban agriculture organizations and community groups from across the state hold events highlighting the important role that urban agriculture plays in local food access and strengthening community belonging. 2026 was the third year the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources hosted Urban Agriculture Week.
“This convening was a bold confirmation of the vital role Massachusetts urban agriculture plays in creating and maintaining healthier cities,” said Rebecca Kelley, Director of Programs at Everett Community Growers. “Community gardens and urban farming provide holistic community-driven solutions to a broad range of issues present in cities like Everett. They provide resilience in the face of climate change, improve health outcomes, build food sovereignty initiatives, and provide space for facilitating community-driven impact.”
Everett Community Growers, Inc. (ECG) works to build a more just and equitable environment through urban agriculture, youth development, policy advocacy, and community engagement. ECG operates Everett’s only community garden (Tremont Street Community Garden), community farm (Northern Strand Community Farm), and farmstand program, providing fresh produce, community-led education, and workforce development opportunities, including its flagship Youth Crew program, to residents across Everett. Learn more at everettcommunitygrowers.org.