From a small patio garden to becoming the youngest certified farmer in Georgia at the age of 6, Kendall Rae Johnson’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Kendall, a native of Georgia, discovered her love for gardening under the guidance of her grandmother. Her gardening journey began modestly on a patio, but by her fourth birthday, she had transformed her entire backyard into a lush garden teeming with carrots, okra, squash, zucchini, and more.
Her green thumb extended beyond the garden walls, as Kendall was determined to educate children about the origins of their food. To achieve this, she initiated a monthly gardening club with subscription food boxes, spreading awareness about farming among her peers.
However, Kendall’s path to becoming a certified farmer was not without its challenges. She first had to establish a business entity at both the state and federal levels.
Kendall then joined various farming organizations affiliated with Georgia’s Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Farm Bureau, paving the way for her certification. Her farming enterprise was aptly named “aGROWKulture.”
With unwavering determination, Kendall applied for grants and scholarships, enabling her to purchase land under her business, a significant milestone for the young farmer. She also harbors ambitions to raise $10,000 for an outdoor agricultural science lab focused on composting.
Kendall’s mother told ABC News her daughter was, “the embodiment of young entrepreneurship and the future of Black farmers.” Black farmers have been a rarity, constituting less than 2% of farmers in the United States, despite a rich history in farming.
In 1920, there were nearly a million Black farmers, a stark contrast to the mere 45,000 today. Kendall’s journey signifies a potential shift in this landscape.
This young farmer is not content with just her accomplishments. She actively participates in farming conferences and agricultural summits, determined to make a lasting impact in the field. Amidst it all, Kendall remains a child at heart, with her primary goal being to make new friends.
Along the way, she hopes to inspire her peers to develop a passion for farming. It’s time to acknowledge and celebrate this young queen who is sowing the seeds of change for future generations of Black farmers.
SOURCE: newsone.com
Photo@ Source: ABC News / iOne Digital