Join UDC-CAUSES to learn how to launch a food business that creates positive social impact in your community. This seminar will cover sustainable practices, community engagement, and strategies for building a purpose-driven food business.

About the Speaker

Nick Berini is the Founder and CFO of Up Top Acres, a DC-based company that specializes in integrating agriculture onto commercial and institutional properties. Over the past decade, he has farmed at various scales and locations, and now works closely with building owners, managers, local government, commercial real estate companies, and nonprofits to transform underutilized spaces into productive growing areas. Prior to farming, Nick was a LEED-accredited green building engineer, bringing a unique technical perspective to urban agriculture. He holds an engineering degree from Vanderbilt University, a master's in Applied Economics from George Washington University, and is an alumnus of the CASFS organic farmer training program at UC Santa Cruz.

Mark Your Calendars

October 17, 2025 | 12:30 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. EST | Online Discussion

About UDC - CAUSES

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a historically Black, urban land grant university that offers associate, baccalaureate, and graduate programs, certificate programs and community outreach programs to learners of all ages.

The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) embodies the land-grant tradition of UDC. We offer cutting edge academic programs in urban sustainability, water resources management, nutrition and dietetics, urban architecture and community planning. CAUSES also offer a wide range of programs that serve individuals and organizations in our community and beyond.

Questions? Please contact Distinguished Professor, Dr. Sabine O’Hara at sabine.ohara@udc.edu or 202-368-9504.

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UDC-CAUSES: Starting a Socially Responsible Food Business