Course Spotlight: Urban Agriculture, Summer 2026
Calling all urban agriculturists, plant parents, and green-seeking enthusiasts!
The BU Food Studies Department is excited to welcome Tuft’s PhD candidate Olivia Grieco this summer to teach our Urban Agriculture class this summer. While perhaps not the first thought that comes to mind when we shop at our local supermarkets, but growing food in a urban context in itself is quite an interesting puzzle to think about. Where is food grown? How is it brought in? Is it shipped out? How do we as humans experience public green spaces when surrounded by the mass of concrete? Food for thought for sure!
What makes this course different from a typical environment or food studies class?
Olivia: The focus of this course is on exploratory learning. There will be major emphasis on hands-on learning and direct engagement with urban agriculture experts and practitioners. This will take students outside of the classroom and into their community and food system.
Curious if you need any prior experience with gardening or agriculture?
Olivia: No prior experience with gardening or agriculture is necessary. Just come with an excitement to learn, connect, and get your hands dirty!
Let’s get a little more into the nuts & bolts…what kinds of food issues does this course explore?
Olivia: This course will span a wide variety of food issues. We will focus on the history of urban agriculture through what the field looks like today. We will touch on growing practices, food access, food justice, how food policy influences the field, nutrition, and many more topics.
What do you hope students will get out of taking this class?
Curious to learn more? Sign up for this Summer!
Last day to register is May 15th