Media Contact Information
Emily Landsman, President FOUA
presidente@arlingtonurbanag.org
arlingtonurbanag.org - @arlingtonfoua
ARLINGTON, Va. – Friends of Urban Agriculture (FOUA) has selected Zona 2 Granjas as the winner of the 2025 FOUA Golden Radish Award, recognizing organizations that advance urban agriculture and strengthen Arlington’s local food system.
Area 2 Farms has been a leader in developing a sustainable indoor farming model in Arlington and a strong community partner by sharing ideas, providing fresh produce, and producing high-quality compost for local gardeners.
FOUA President Emily Landsman presented the award during a visit to the farm’s South Arlington location, a converted warehouse now home to a thriving indoor growing operation supported by advanced lighting and computer-controlled technology.
“Zona 2 Granjas embodies the creativity, sustainability, and community spirit that make Arlington’s urban agriculture ecosystem so vibrant,” said Landsman. “Their dedication to growing healthy food, sharing knowledge, and investing in our local soil strengthens our food system today while laying the foundation for a more resilient, climate-smart future. We’re proud to honor their leadership with this year’s FOUA Golden Radish Award.”
“Receiving the FOUA Golden Radish Award is a true honor and a testament to the community we serve and the incredible work of our farmers,” said Andrew Nickle, Head Farmer at Area 2 Farms. “Our mission is to move the farm into the community, and there’s no better feeling than knowing our work is contributing to a healthier Arlington. I am deeply grateful to FOUA for their work and for recognizing our role in cultivating a thriving local community.”
About Friends of Urban Agriculture (FOUA)
FOUA works to strengthen Arlington’s urban agriculture sector by supporting gardeners and local growers, encouraging inclusion of agriculture in development projects, expanding school garden programs, and increasing public understanding of hyper-local and regional food systems.
Previous award recipients
2024 – David Sachs – Grapewood Farm, soil enthusiast, Arlington garden leader & FOUA Board member
2023 – Audrey Morris* – First Presbyterian Church garden coordinator, Plot Against Hunger Committee, & former FOUA Board member
2022 – Sue Howell – Arlington gardener extraordinaire and Plot Against Hunger participant
2021 – Dave Smith & St Andrews Garden – Amazing garden crew producing thousands of pounds of produce annually
2020 – Becky Halbe** & Rock Spring Church Bagging Center – Incredible team aggregating and distributing freshly grown Arlington produce led by FOUA Board member
2019 – Kirsten Conrad – VCE Extension Agent, Agriculture and natural resources, former FOUA Board member, forever garden teacher
2018 – Puwen Lee – Plot Against Hunger founder, Plot committee organizer, and fearless glean team leader
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