The place will Robby Astrove be in 10 years? And what’s your hope for a future Atlanta and Georgia meals system?
I don’t have a crystal ball, however one factor you’ll be able to rely on is I’ll nonetheless be planting. I joked with a good friend the opposite day that if ever I cease planting, they need to come and shake me, one thing is incorrect.
As for the long run Georgia meals system, I undoubtedly hope we’ve got a special meals system than we do in the present day. I need to see farmers and growers extra revered, however not solely that, higher cared for, each from inside and outdoors our trade. They must be seen and revered extra as mission vital members of our society.
I additionally hope that customers’ selections change. And finally, in fact, coverage.
How does your present work feed into this future imaginative and prescient?
I see my position as multipronged. I’m an educator, a connector—a cross-pollinator, like this award—and I lastly really feel like I carry some affect on this motion, like individuals can take heed to me. That is additionally the place mentorship is available in. I’ve spent a variety of time in search of out elders, mentors; I hope I generally is a mentor, it doesn’t matter what age people are, I need to make certain we’re all carrying the torch ahead.
You shared in your awards video that Barbara Petit (see beneath), after whom this award is known as, was instrumental in what you’re doing in the present day. What are some things/classes you discovered from her?
My reminiscences of working along with her have been actually about witnessing her management and the way she introduced individuals collectively…She was somebody with imaginative and prescient and unbelievable drive. I’ve a lot love and respect for her. She is actually who gave me the blessing, the pinnacle nod, to start out the orchard undertaking, and I used to be right down to do it.
It was Barbara who instantly instructed me: ‘don’t cease planting.’ And that’s my plan.
To listen to extra from Robby and study extra concerning the Barbara Petit Pollinator Award, click on beneath.
