According to the United States Department of Agriculture's 2017 Census, black farmers account for only 1.3% of Americans growing food and fiber. Totaling just 45,508, this is a far cry from the 1920's when that number was 925,708, a time when the total population was drastically smaller. Also cited by USDA, 17% of our farms have a worker whom is either currently serving or is a past member of the US Armed Services. It stands to reason, by combining those statistics, there are very few black veterans engaged in farming. As an extension professional, a recent opportunity at the Russellville Urban Garden Project (RUGP) allowed an opportunity to address this dilemma.

Numerous in person meetings, phone calls, text messages and emails were conducted with Army veteran Duane Ivan and RUGP director and African American Studies professor Dr. Nancy Dawson. Recently retired, Ivan has never farmed before, but is anxious to circumvent the disconnect that exists in much of America's food chain, especially in minority and low-income urban environments. Traveling nearly two hours to conduct farm work days with Ivan and his teenage son, with whom he hopes to break the negative stigma of people of color working the soil, programming has been conducted to educate on multiple facets of vegetable production and marketing.

Guidance has been provided in soil preparation, decisions have been made on growing techniques, and a field of summer squash, green beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and gourds has been planted. In addition to impacting Ivan and his family, the poverty stricken community in which the garden resides, will reap benefits. Seeing a successful retired veteran choosing to grow food for himself and others further accentuates a positive role model for others to emulate. Programming, including educational farm to table meals, are planned that will capitalize on the popularity of Fall Agritourism ventures. These fundraising events allow for reinvestment in this worthwhile endeavor.

Participants in the joint project have described their appreciation for Kentucky State University's engagement thus far. Ivan, Dawson and others are interested in learning more about niche opportunities and ways of expanding the growing season in coming years. As more volunteers, some hopefully veterans, become involved, the opportunities too will increase. The long term goal is for this project to serve as exemplar of how the USDA reported 54.4 million Americans, 17.7% of the population, that live in food deserts, can grown food in their urban environment in order to become more self sufficient. Fighting to change the negative perception of farming held by many people of color is the first step.