The Organic Research and Extension Group at Kentucky State University has been conducting outreach to build more minority participation in the organic sector.   Prior to 2022 we were not aware of any certified organic farms that were Black owned.  As part of this effort we secured a Specialty Crops Block Grant from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.  We have been building outreach within the KSU network of stakeholders as well as through connections with Black Soil Kentucky and the Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK).   

We started working with Jim Coleman, a Black farmer and owner of Coleman Crest Farm in Lexington in Summer 2021.  In collaboration with OAK we worked on a transition plan with Mr. Coleman to get him certified organic.  Mr. Coleman successfully submitted his organic application in March 2021 and was his operation was given initial organic inspection ion May 11 2022 and he is currently awaiting final notice on certification.  We anticipate he will be certified in the next month or so.  

Additionally we have been working with OAK on transition plans for two other minority farmers that we hope to include as sucess stores going forward.  These stakeholders have agreed to work with KSU in this project to help bring more minority and under-represented producers into organic.  They will share their stories with other stakeholders in upcoming workshops and demonstrations.