Trenton urban agriculture meeting to explore green jobs, fresh food, and sustainable growth
What could Trenton look like with more gardens, more green jobs, and more fresh food grown right in the neighborhood?
On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 5:00 pm, the community is invited to help answer that question at the Trenton Transformation: Trenton Grows Forward Urban Ag and Sustainability Community Meeting, hosted by Producers1 Agriculture Group & Sustainable Solutions in partnership with The City of Trenton and the Mercer County Community College Horticulture Program.
The event is free, refreshments are provided, and all are welcome.
Community leaders, educators, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, ecopreneurs, and neighbors will gather for an evening of learning, collaboration, and designing the base of an action plan to strengthen local food systems across New Jersey that will help decrease food deserts, exploring everything from garden design, composting, and beekeeping to stormwater management, solar energy, and green entrepreneurship.
“The timing is right for such an event for a great city like Trenton. I am excited to be a part of such an event, especially being from Trenton and understanding the needs of the community in which we serve said Tameko Webster, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
“Trenton has everything it needs to grow its own future: the land, the talent, and the will. On August 11th, we are pulling up a seat at the table for every resident and stakeholder who wants to help shape what comes next,” said Manatee Smith, President & CEO of Producers1 Agriculture Group & Sustainable Solutions.
“Trenton has tremendous potential for sustainable growth. My administration welcomes this opportunity for our residents to plant the seeds of Trenton’s green future- all while expanding garden spaces, creating jobs, and combatting food insecurity,” said Mayor W. Reed Gusciora.
Who Will Be There
Attendees will sit at the same table through opening remarks, panel discussion, and group breakout sessions with the people shaping agriculture policy, education, and community development in New Jersey. Speakers include Mayor Reed Gusciora, Senator Shirley Turner who is the sponsor of the urban ag bill 3024; Manatee Smith of Producers1 Agriculture Group & Sustainable Solutions; Dr Gonzalo Perez Associate Provost JCK Trenton, County Executive Dan Benson and Councilwoman at Large Yazminelly Gonzalez of the City of Trenton; Tameko Webster, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture; Otha Caldwell, Director of Community Development Planning & Urban Ag Isles; David DeFrange II of the NJ Department of Agriculture Board and MCCC Horticulture/Urban Ag; Dr. Elizabeth Mizerek, Dean of Science, Health Professions and Nursing at MCCC and farmer and community gardening educator Tomia MacQueen.
Event Details
• When: Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
• Where: Mercer County Community College, James Kerney Campus, 102 N. Broad St., Trenton, NJ 08608
• Cost: Free! Complimentary entry and refreshments provided
• RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/Urban-Ag-Community-Mtg
