International Year of  the Woman Farmer Series: Episode II with Karen Washington

About this episode

Vernon Oakes interviews Karen Washington about her journey in agriculture and the impact of women in food systems.

April 9, 2026 Everything Co-op continues its observance of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 (IYWF 2026) with distinguished guest, Karen Washington, farmer, food justice activist, and co-owner of Rise & Root Farm in Chester, New York. Vernon and Karen discuss her journey as a farmer and food justice activists, the vital role women play in agriculture, and how initiatives like Black Urban Growers are empowering communities to build equitable and sustainable food systems. Karen is a passionate food advocate who co-founded Black Urban Growers (BUGS) in 2010, an organization dedicated to supporting growers in both urban and rural communities. Her impact and leadership have earned her widespread recognition, including being named one of Ebony magazine's 100 Most Influential African Americans in 2012, receiving the James Beard Leadership Award in 2014, and most recently, the James Beard Humanitarian Award in 2023. Karen also contributes her time and expertise as a board member of the New York Botanical Gardens, the Mary Mitchell Center, Soul Fire Farm, and the Black Farmer Fund. The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer…

People in this episode

Host: Vernon Oakes

Guest: Karen Washington

Topics covered

• women in agriculture
• food justice
• community empowerment
• sustainable food systems
• urban farming
• food security

Keywords

• Karen Washington
• Vernon Oakes
• food justice
• women farmers
• Black Urban Growers
• sustainable agriculture
• IYWF 2026
• Rise & Root Farm
• community empowerment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Rise & Root Farm, Black Urban Growers, Ebony, James Beard Foundation, New York Botanical Gardens, Mary Mitchell Center, Soul Fire Farm, Black Farmer Fund

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