James Longenecker came to Pittsburgh from Florida to train for the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge—and, thanks to what I call a “Pittsburgh agent,” she never left. After a short stint doing sales for Who Cooks for You Farm, she landed her current role as the City’s Farmers Market Manager, where she’s bringing new life and coordination to markets across the city.

James grew up in Tampa, the daughter of a military dad and a mom who hated cooking—but who loved to travel and introduced her to a world of flavors. Surrounded by aunties and friends from across the globe, James learned to cook from the women around her.

With a background in economics and international development, James chose to focus her energy closer to home—working on local development in her home state of Florida. She’s farmed in Florida, Virginia, and Pennsylvania; developed and managed a farmer training program at the University of Florida; and spent summers making cheese at Meadow Creek Dairy in Virginia.

Now she’s putting her energy into Pittsburgh’s local food scene—reviving farmers markets, strengthening regional connections, and keeping her North Central Florida roots close at heart.

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Connect with Pittsburgh Farmers markets here

Reach James at 412-740-8812 or [email protected]