This episode shines a light on Kendall’s AgrowKulture urban farm, a beacon of sustainability and community engagement in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. Amidst a local food desert, nine-year-old Kendall, Georgia’s youngest and the nation’s youngest certified grower, along with her parents, Ursula and Quentin Johnson, are cultivating not just fresh, nutritious food, but also a movement.

Join us as we talk to the Johnson family about the deeply personal roots of their farm—starting with a family health crisis that led to a life-changing decision to move in together and grow their own food. We explore Kendall’s incredible journey, from a curious three-year-old propagating collard greens with her great-grandmother to becoming a USDA Youth Urban Agriculture Ambassador.

Welcome back to Urban Pods! In this episode, your host, Dr. Ruchika Kashyap, dives deep into the dynamic world of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), addressing common questions like: “What exactly is CEA?” and “Can a backyard hoop house be considered CEA?”

Dr. R. is joined by the UGA CEA Fab Five, a powerhouse team of experts from the University of Georgia, who are leading the charge in CEA research, extension, and innovation. They discuss the broad spectrum of CEA—from simple high tunnels to advanced indoor vertical farms—and how it’s revolutionizing food production, resource utilization, and even space exploration.

The discussion explores the diverse backgrounds of CEA growers, the differences between breeding for the field versus CEA, and the critical importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and disease management in these closed systems. Our experts also share how their individual research pillars—Crop Physiology, Plant Breeding, Entomology (IPM), and Phenomics—are converging to create predictable, profitable, and sustainable recipes for the future of urban and controlled agriculture.This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the science, technology, and business of growing fresh, local food in a controlled environment

The Center for Urban Agriculture (CUA), at the University of Georgia’s Griffin campus, bridges the gap between city living and sustainable agriculture. Through research-based education and resources, the center empowers Georgians to cultivate thriving urban spaces—from backyard gardens to commercial landscapes, community farms to city forests. Whether you’re growing food, managing pests, developing green spaces, or seeking sustainable solutions, the center’s expertise spans the full spectrum of urban agricultural challenges. Urban agriculture offers multiple benefits, including improved food security, enhanced nutrition, increased physical activity, community building, and environmental stewardship and conservation. Urban agriculture addresses challenges within urban communities, including noise abatement, soil erosion and runoff, and preservation of wildlife habitats. It can also provide economic opportunities through production and distribution.

In this first episode of the science communication venture “Urban Pods,” we meet the drivers of the Center for Urban Agriculture. Join us in this episode to learn more about CUA and help build greener, more resilient communities through innovative growing practices, environmental stewardship, and sustainable production in urban spaces.

The core team of the University of Georgia's Center for Urban Agriculture featured in this episode hosted by podcast host and Plant Pathologist, Dr. Ruchika Kashyap (Dr. R); includes Dr. Bethany Harris, the Center's Director, who oversees program expansion and strategic connections; Rolando Orellana, the Urban Water Management Agent, who focuses on irrigation and water conservation innovations; and Whitney Ottinger, the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Educator, who supports small-scale farmer education and sustainable practices.

We would also like to acknowledge other members of Center for Urban Agriculture (CUA), Becky Griffin, the Community Garden Coordinator, who is best known for organizing the successful Great Southeast Pollinator Censusand leading outreach programs for school and community gardens.

Additional team members support the Center for Urban Agriculture in advancing its research, education, and outreach mission. Kimberly Allen serves as Administrative Associate, providing vital administrative coordination. G. Rich Braman oversees the Center’s digital infrastructure as Systems Administrator and Developer. Beth Horne manages event planning and program logistics, and Melba Ruth Salazar Gutierrez serves as Program Coordinator for GCLP and GCPP, supporting leadership and professional development initiatives within the Center.