Who We Are: Growing Augusta & Our Journey in Agriculture
Why We Speak on These Topics
When representatives from federal and state agencies ask, “Who are you, and what qualifies you to speak on agriculture?” my answer is simple: lived experience, persistence, and a commitment to making agriculture accessible to all.
Growing Augusta was not born from an academic institution or a large-scale farm operation. It was born out of real-world challenges and firsthand experiences—from launching and managing farmers markets to working in food access and navigating roadblocks with local agencies. We have seen what works, what doesn’t, and where innovation is desperately needed in today’s agricultural landscape.
Our goal? To bridge the gap between traditional agricultural systems and the people who are often overlooked—small farmers, urban growers, homesteaders, and community food advocates.
Our Work in the Agriculture World
1. Farmers Markets & Agribusiness Support
Growing Augusta began with a simple mission: supporting local growers and making fresh food accessible to our community. We have managed and supported farmers markets that bring together urban and rural farmers, providing them with the visibility and resources they need to thrive.
Through agribusiness support activities, we’ve worked with small farms, food artisans, and local producers to develop marketing strategies, improve sales channels, and navigate regulatory hurdles. This hands-on work has given us deep insight into the challenges facing small-scale growers.
2. The Mobile Farmers Market: A Creative Solution to Food Access
One of our proudest achievements was the creation of a mobile farmers market, designed to bring fresh, local food to underserved communities. Instead of relying on a fixed location, we partnered with community centers, churches, and even food trucks to deliver fresh produce directly to consumers.
This model is a testament to our belief that agriculture isn’t just about growing food—it’s about reaching people where they are, innovating to meet community needs, and challenging the notion that access should be dictated by geography.
3. Advocating for Food Access & Policy Change
Beyond selling food, we are deeply engaged in food access advocacy and policy work. We have built relationships with elected officials, pushing for policies that support urban farmers, local food systems, and more inclusive agricultural initiatives.
We’ve learned that policy and agriculture are inseparable—that the success of small farmers often depends not just on what they grow, but on how local governments recognize and support their work. This is why we encourage new and aspiring farmers to get involved in policy discussions and advocate for their needs.
Why We Share Our Insights
The truth is, I started sharing my journey after encountering roadblocks with my County agency. I realized that many of the struggles I faced—navigating bureaucracy, finding funding, and gaining credibility—were not unique to me. New farmers, homesteaders, and landowners across the country face these same challenges.
By sharing what we’ve learned, we hope to:
Empower small growers with knowledge and strategies that help them succeed.
Challenge outdated agricultural perspectives that exclude urban and small-scale producers.
Build a community where farmers, policymakers, and advocates can learn from one another.
Join the Conversation
If you’re a farmer, homesteader, or land steward looking for innovative solutions and real-world advice, we invite you to be part of the discussion. Join us at Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency, where we share resources, experiences, and support one another in reshaping the future of agriculture.
Agriculture isn’t just about land—it’s about people, community, and creativity. We’re here to challenge the status quo, and we hope you’ll join us in the journey.