The Rudy Lozito Fellowship Program, created in memory of former Urban Tilth staff member Rudy Lozito, successfully concludes another impactful six-month urban farming training session at the North Richmond Farm at the graduation ceremony on Friday, October 25th 2024. This program is designed to give opportunities to young people, like Rudy, who have a passion and desire for cultivating change in themselves and their community through the land and just need that first opportunity to get started. The program provides four West Contra Costa adults with hands-on experience in sustainable and regenerative farming practices, including organic crop production, soil health management, minimal-till farming, and animal husbandry. In addition to these core skills, participants take part in a variety of workshops, field trips, and guest speaker sessions, further enriching their knowledge base. The program also offers certifications that enhance the fellows’ qualifications in the agricultural field.
Designed for adults aged 18 and older, this intensive program spans from April through October, with a 20-hour weekly time commitment. Participants are compensated at $20 per hour and receive additional benefits, including paid sick leave and wellness funds, offering a rare combination of education and financial support. The fellowship provides not just theoretical knowledge but practical, paid learning, helping fellows build stability while preparing for future opportunities in agriculture.
One of the key insights that emerged from the fellowship was the debunking of the common misconception that young people lack interest in working with the land. Applicants and fellows often expressed that the real barrier is access, not a lack of desire. Programs like the Rudy Lozito Fellowship are critical in opening doors, making farming skills more accessible, and appealing to younger generations who are eager to engage in sustainable practices, contribute to the environment, and reconnect with the land that they call home. .
Throughout the program, participants also engaged in community-building activities, including a highly successful cooking demonstration that celebrated the farm-to-table experience and intimate collaboration in food that was keystone to who Rudy was and continues to be. Head Chef Paul Lozito (Rudy’s father) and Sous Chef Tim led the demo, where fellows and community members prepared dishes such as gazpacho with croutons, orzo pasta with zoodles in pesto, and watermelon mint juice, all featuring fresh ingredients grown at the farm. This event was not only a showcase of the fellowship’s agricultural efforts but also an opportunity for hands-on learning, laughter, and community bonding.
The program has profoundly impacted the lives of its participants. Francisco Barajas Martinez, a lifelong Richmond resident, joined to reconnect with his community and food sources and has emerged with a stronger sense of self and deeper community ties. Karla Ramos, originally from Mexico, gained invaluable leadership skills and expertise in key farming techniques like seed saving and composting, all while deepening her connection to the land and its history. Keshawn Stanley, a new resident from Chicago, embraced the opportunity to learn self-sustainability, securing financial stability for his family while gaining critical farming knowledge. Catherine Sandoval, driven by a desire to reconnect with nature, applied her new skills to create a home garden, emphasizing mindful consumption and honoring ancestral farming practices.
Together, these fellows have embodied the program’s mission of fostering sustainability, community engagement, and personal growth through urban farming. The Rudy Lozito Fellowship continues to serve as a transformative experience, cultivating both crops and connections that will enrich the community for years to come.
If you are inspired by programs like the Rudy Lozito Fellowship, please consider donating to Urban Tilth today