By Jordan Mitkowski, ASU sustainable food systems graduate student
The Model USDA simulation offers an immersive experience to prepare the next generation of food systems leaders for real-world policy-making challenges. Through role-playing and debate, students gain invaluable insights into USDA operations and the political dynamics that influence food policy.
During the inaugural simulation, I had the privilege of playing the role of an independent journalist within the "growing urban agriculture" scenario. Along with extensive materials provided to participants, we also received video remarks from Malik Yakini, co-founder of the National Black Food & Justice Alliance, who shared his valuable perspective on the importance of urban agriculture. My responsibilities included reporting on stakeholder deliberations and their strategies for engaging new and beginning farmers in urban agriculture. This three-day event demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing urban farming challenges and underscored the value of storytelling in shaping policy outcomes. Stakeholders began the discussions by defining the goals of urban agriculture, which included feeding communities, empowering local economies, improving public health outcomes, and fostering relationships. Innovation was at the forefront, with discussions revolving around methods like aquaponics, rooftop gardens, and community farming initiatives to maximize urban space. Housing and land use policies were recognized as key factors in achieving these objectives, reflecting the unique challenges of urban settings. The committee's emphasis on inclusivity for underserved communities set the stage for an equitable and forward-thinking approach.
The first day of the simulation featured an open forum where students presented their proposals with remarkable preparation and enthusiasm. Collaboration was a central theme, with participants actively seeking partnerships to achieve shared goals. During interviews with stakeholders, I gained valuable insights into their priorities. For instance, Breanna Hannula, an ASU graduate student playing the role of the acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Rural Development, advocated for not only urban agriculture but also the development of resilient communities, revitalizing neighborhoods through local food sources and reconnection to nature. Students roleplaying as representatives from Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC) highlighted technical training, food security, and economic development. Roleplaying stakeholders largely agreed on the importance of sustainability, though gaps in private sector engagement and coalition-building became evident. These areas of improvement underscored the need for a more comprehensive strategy moving forward.
Day 2 was pivotal as UAIPAC presented their initial urban agriculture proposal. This strategy centered on three pillars: private sector incentives, community education and training, and public awareness campaigns. While many stakeholders praised the plan's focus on education and outreach, others expressed concerns about its scope and execution. Onyx Nelson, a UAF graduate playing the role of the director of the City University of New York Urban Food Policy Institute, remarked that the strategy "felt like a good foundation but should be built off of more legislation," adding that their "biggest hope is to see a clear but diverse plan of action." Bryanna Fogel, an ASU graduate student playing the role of the farm advisor emeritus of the University of California U.S. Cooperative Extension Fresno, emphasized the need for "opportunities for local experts" and called for "more local outreach." These critiques highlighted the importance of refining the strategy to address diverse stakeholder needs and ensure a more actionable framework. Despite these concerns, the committee demonstrated resilience and adaptability, working collaboratively to strengthen the proposal.
A crisis emerged midway through the day: new Congressional regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) posed significant challenges for urban agriculture development. This unexpected twist forced stakeholders to reassess their priorities and propose creative solutions. Education and land use quickly became focal points, with participants advocating for increased support. Time constraints presented additional hurdles, prompting stakeholders to employ alternative tactics like alliance-building and press releases to amplify their voices. The intensity of the discussions underscored the complexity of urban agriculture policy-making and the need for innovative problem-solving.
The final day was marked by strategic refinement and collaboration. The stakeholder committee's recommendations emphasized increasing public awareness of USDA support programs and incentivizing private-public partnerships for green development. Key themes included community-based solutions, innovative farming techniques, and leveraging private-sector funding to scale urban agriculture efforts. Specific proposals included mixed-use development incentives, technical training programs, and infrastructure enhancements for food distribution, storage, and waste management. The strategy also identified barriers such as zoning laws, affordable housing goals, and political challenges in defining equity. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of clear success metrics such as reducing the national average age of farmers and expanding urban agriculture in underserved areas. UAIPAC clarified their scope during deliberations and incorporated diverse perspectives into their plan. Although most stakeholder priorities were included, some recommendations faced opposition or lacked explanations for their exclusion. For example, concerns about GMO use in urban settings highlighted the complexities of achieving consensus—nonetheless, the committee's hybrid approach successfully balanced existing USDA programs with innovative new initiatives.
The ASU graduate student role-playing as Secretary of Agriculture, Elora Bevacqua, approved the strategy with several recommendations for improvement. These included enhancing train-the-trainer resources, engaging urban stakeholders strategically, and incorporating long-term programs for sustainability. The role-playing Secretary also stressed the need to refine definitions of equity and underserved communities, ensuring that efforts address food deserts and areas with limited access to nutritious food. UAIPAC responded by revising their language and refining their approach to align with these recommendations. Their ability to adapt demonstrated the importance of flexibility and accountability in policy-making.
The Model USDA simulation offered a powerful learning experience, highlighting urban agriculture's complexities and collaboration's critical role in shaping food policy. Through immersive research, debate, and negotiation, participants strengthened their understanding of the nation's food system and explored diverse career paths within USDA. Serving as a journalist underscored the value of storytelling in amplifying voices and driving meaningful change. This simulation was a testament to the potential of urban agriculture to address pressing challenges, from food security to community health. It also emphasized empowering future leaders to innovate and collaborate across sectors. As I reflect on this experience, I am inspired by the passion and dedication of stakeholders working toward a shared vision for a more resilient and inclusive food system.
This blog is part of a series written by ASU graduate students who role-played as journalists in the Swette Center's inaugural Model USDA, held virtually from January 31 to February 2, 2025.