MU Extension offers urban farm production classes

ST. LOUIS – University of Missouri Extension is offering urban farm production learning opportunities in the St. Louis area in October.

Eliza Pessereau, field specialist in horticulture for MU Extension’s, said the classes will help participants learn best practices and information on risk management, zoning and permit requirements for urban areas.

Where Can I Farm? Zoning in St. Louis County is a free webinar for those interesting in growing food in a residential area and how zoning regulations could affect this. The Zoom class is offered from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, and is taught by St. Louis County Department of Planning representatives familiar with urban agriculture regulations. The webinar will cover current zoning regulations and highlight how to work with the Department to change your zoning category.

The STL Farm Labor Workshop is 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Thursday, Oct. 29, at the MU Extension St. Louis Metro Area Office, 8225 Florissant Road. Fees are based on a sliding scale from $0 to $40. Pessereau says this class will be helpful if you are a flower, fruit or vegetable producer who needs to hire paid labor or a gardener hoping to scale up and may need to pay someone to help you.

It also will help agricultural educators who work with new growers wanting to start or grow a business with employees. The workshop will cover topics specifically related to hiring employees for the first time as well as managing employees, including working with employees on H2A visas. The workshop will be taught by MU Extension specialists and local labor authorities, and there will be a farmer panel featuring growers from Eckert’s, Urban Buds and Southside Gardens. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Deadline to register is 1:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25.

For more information, contact Pessereau at 314-403-7410 or eliza.pessereau@missouri.edu.