The City of Newburgh and the Newburgh Urban Farm & Food Initiative (NUFFI) welcomed New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie to tour the urban farm grounds and visit the historic Downing Park. The stop at the farm and the city park on Wednesday, August 2 were part of the speaker’s annual statewide tour of varying assembly districts.

Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson welcomed Speaker Heastie on Wednesday morning along with several other elected officials such as Mayor Torrance Harvey, Councilman Omari Shakur, Councilman Bob Sklarz, Councilwoman Giselle Martinez and Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos. NAACP President Ray Harvey, City Manager Todd Venning and Chief of Staff Mike Neppl, Pastor J. Edward Lewis of Calvary Presbyterian and students of San Miguel Academy also made guest appearances at the farm during the late morning.

“I can’t thank Assemblymember Jacobson enough for inviting me today and showcasing the growth happening across his community,” said Heastie. “Both the Newburgh Urban Food and Farm Initiative and the African American Burial Ground project at Downing Park show us the incredible work accomplished when community members work together. The Assembly Majority is committed to supporting important projects, like the farm and park, in communities all across our state.”

Over the course of the late morning, Heastie toured the grounds from the greenhouses to the open fields with produce of the urban farm. NUFFI Executive Director Virginia Kasinki provided a tour of the grounds and also highlighted the work of the farm. “It [Heastie’s visit] validates our efforts, the support that we receive from Assemblyman Jacobson, from the city, it’s really incredible and it’s what keeps us going,” said Kasinki. “It’s just very helpful to know how much people see what we’re doing, appreciate what we’re doing, want to help us in what we’re doing.”

At the farm, the green space conducts testing of the soils for any contaminants prior to planting and provides 15,000 lbs. worth of food to the city and pantries alike. The farm also encourages urban farming at home through education and practice. Food grown at the farm continues to be accessible to the community. Heastie was also happy to see San Miguel Academy students help with the planting and farming that morning.

“Urban farming is something I’ve really become very intrigued by. Most people think when you think of farms, they’re in this rural, far off place,” said Heastie. “I think using urban parkland for urban farms is a new way of thinking. And it’s a thinking that I think that we should continue to encourage.”

Heastie reflected on his recognition of food insecurities during the pandemic in the state and the difficulties associated. With his colleagues and partners in government like Jacobson, the hope is to support initiatives like NUFFI to continue food accessibility and overall work towards a healthier community.

“I’m honored to have Speaker Heastie join us today for a tour of Downing Park, and Newburgh Urban Farm and Food Initiative,” said Jacobson. “There is something special about neighbors helping neighbors, and the farm seeks to do that each and every day by providing produce to our neighbors that need it the most. Not only that, but our community has also been busy collaborating with city officials to ensure the Newburgh African American Burial Ground project comes to fruition. I’m incredibly proud to showcase all your hard work to Speaker Heastie today, and I continue to be committed to supporting future projects within our community.”