2022 Barbara Petit Pollinator Award Winner Robby Astrove

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 may rely on is I’ll nonetheless be planting. I joked with a buddy the opposite day that if ever I cease planting, they need to come and shake me, one thing is unsuitable.

As for the long run Georgia meals system, I positively hope now we have a distinct meals system than we do at this time. I need to see farmers and growers extra revered, however not solely that, higher cared for, each from inside and outdoors our business. They must be seen and revered extra as mission crucial members of our society.

I additionally hope that customers’ decisions change. And ultimately, 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 loads of time searching for out elders, mentors; I hope I is usually a mentor, it doesn’t matter what age people are, I need to ensure that we’re all carrying the torch ahead.

You shared in your awards video that Barbara Petit (see under), after whom this award is known as, was instrumental in what you’re doing at this time. What are some things/classes you discovered from her?

My recollections of working along with her had 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 admittedly who gave me the blessing, the top nod, to begin the orchard undertaking, and I used to be right down to do it.

It was Barbara who straight informed me: ‘don’t cease planting.’ And that’s my plan.

To listen to extra from Robby and be taught extra concerning the Barbara Petit Pollinator Award, click on under.