11:00 AM- Urban Farmers and Green Spaces: Berlin’s Lessons for Pittsburgh

Dr. Jesko Hirschfeld, Humboldt University of Berlin
Urban farming in Pittsburgh took off around 2005 but has roots reaching back to the community gardens established in the 1940s. Berlin, by contrast, has incorporated various forms of urban gardening into its cityscape for nearly 200 years.
What insights can Pittsburgh draw from Berlin’s long history of urban farming? And what perspectives might Pittsburgh’s more recent initiatives offer to urban growers in Berlin?
In this engaging talk, Dr. Jesko Hirschfeld highlights innovative gardening initiatives, from classic allotments to new community-driven models. Explore how urban green spaces strengthen neighborhoods, improve climate resilience, and expand access to fresh food—while also confronting challenges like gentrification and shrinking public funding.
Join us for a lively look at how urban farmers shape healthier, greener cities.

1:00 PM- Part I: Panel Discussion
Moderator: Randall Halle, European Studies Center
Panelists:
Dr. Patrick Shirey — University of Pittsburgh
Lisa Freeman — Freeman and Family Farm
State Representative Emily Kinkead, PA House District 20, Chair of the Legislative Hunger Caucus
Dr. Jesko Hirschfeld — Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

2:30 PM- Part II:  Discussion Groups:
Group A: Urban Farming Challenges & Opportunities
Group B: Climate resilience strategies in cities
Group C: Ensuring nutrition security for vulnerable populations

3:30 PM-Part III:  Call for Action with Closing Remarks