Our 135th Real Farmer Care recipient is Farmer Ken @farmerkenofficial of LA, CA.
Farmer Ken writes, “Gardening has always been a special part of my family. My garden journey started in Ohio at age 5 with my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. I grew gardens throughout my youth, which built my foundation. While at The Ohio State University, I was a recipient of a USDA Scholarship. I was active in The College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and served as President of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences). I worked with a Landscape Specialist at The Cleveland Metroparks, which gave me insight on creative ways to utilize plants. As one of my humanities projects, I took the initiative on starting a community Garden in an under-resourced neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio. I was elated by the impact that the garden had on the community and I wanted to continue having a greater impact with more communities.
I recently launched my company, The Farmer Ken. My current space features two vegetable gardens, herbs, a patio pond garden, nature garden, a Food Forest and my own chickens. I have just acquired new farmland and I am starting to build out that space.
During the pandemic, it has become even more apparent to many that gardening is essential. My company helps people successfully grow food in your own backyard and community. I provide garden consultation, installation & education. I also provide fresh produce through my edible farm via Farmer's markets and my Etsy shop.
Some of my challenges involve having resources to have a greater impact on communities. I’d love to have a capacity to grow more fresh, organic produce. Also, in the future, I’d love to be able to provide a source of income by hiring workers on the farm.”
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