Will has been an innovator in methods of composting , vermicomposting ( using worms to refine and fertilize compost ) and aquaponics ( growing fish and food plants in a closed system ). These and other intensive practices result in remarkable yields of food , even in a very small area . Today , Growing Power is involved in more than 70 projects and outreach programs in Milwaukee , across the United States and throughout the world . Will has trained and taught in the Ukraine , Macedonia and Kenya , and has plans in place to create community food centers in South Africa , Zimbabwe and Haiti . In the U . S ., Growing Power has set up multiple Regional Outreach Training Centers throughout the U . S . In 2008 , Will was awarded the John D . and Katherine T . McArthur Foundation “ Genius Grant ” and named a McArthur Fellow – only the second farmer ever to be so honored . Will is also a member of the Clinton Global Initiative . On Feb . 9 , 2010 , was one of four national spokesmen who stood on the dais with First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House to launch her “ Let ’ s Move !” initiative to reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity by 2015 . In May 2010 , Time magazine named Will as one of 100 World ’ s Most Influential People . Despite his busy schedule as an international ambassador for urban agriculture and universal food security , Will continues to farm his own property in Oak Creek and direct operations at Growing Power , still headquartered in the original location on Silver Spring Drive in Milwaukee .
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