Title:    KSU Area Extension Agent Assistant Conducts Gardening workshop at National Convention

Issue:   Since 1925 when black farmers in the U.S. represented 15% of the Ag population to the present where this same group represents a little over 1.4% in the Ag primary operator category, recent national and local events have triggered a greater interest in Ag within this group from a wider range of individuals looking to either get started growing gardens, identify market opportunities or engage in Ag entrepreneurial operations.

What has been done: The KSU Area Extension Agent Assistant at the request of Dr. Boyce Watkins conducted two (1 hr.) breakout sessions/workshops focused on growing food and various urban gardening systems at the 6^th Annual All Black National Convention in Orlando Florida. I have been invited on his platform multiple times since 2016 to speak about agriculture in relation to the black community and discussing practical resources and solutions. Because of the renewed interest in food systems in this community, I was able to conduct a powerpoint presentation and distribute extension publications, some from KYSU “Gardening Tips” and demonstrating to attendees how to navigate the pickyourown.org extension website to find their local cooperative extension offices in their respective communities.

Impact: As a result of these sessions, with each having 50 plus attendees I was able to speak and answer questions regarding growing food, and teaching them how to access extension information specifically at 1890’s Land Grant Institutions. In all I spoke directly to 115 individuals and promoted KYSU to the more than 800 convention attendees from Saturday to Monday. I received great feedback mostly in relation to the use of extension resources and those who gained a greater confidence to start their own gardens. 

Author: Trevor Claiborn, Small Farm Area Agent Assistant, Kentucky State University, Cooperative Extension Program, email address: trevor.claiborn@kysu.edu