The Innovator: Our Very own Will Allen

If you live in Milwaukee, or Wisconsin for that matter, and care about the future of our food, you should know the man pictured above.  Some of you may, but for others I've prepared an introduction.  His name is Will Allen.  In 1993 he began Growing Power, a non-profit urban farm in the heart of Milwaukee, with a goal to grow food, minds, and community.  Over the past 17 years it has accomplished that and so much more.  


Growing Power specializes in aquaponics (how Sweet Water Organics got its start) and vermiculture (composting with worms).  It also serves as a community educational facility offering daily public tours and monthly weekend workshops showcasing techniques from composting to greenhouse production.  Over the past few years Will (we're on a first name basis) has been recognized nationally as an innovative thinker who strives to educate people on the importance of the "Good Food" movement.  As a 2008 MacArthur Fellow, he is also considered the voice of urban farming.  The NYT did an amazing article on him back in July called Street Farmer.  Here's the link if you'd like to read it...http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/magazine/05allen-t.html?_r=1. 


Get to know this farming Giant.  He's worth his weight in gold!