Educators at Tennessee State University are on a mission to prove that the agriculture industry is alive and well. It is now making a push to get more people of color interested in farming.
Wednesday and Thursday, Tennessee State University is holding outreach workshop.
The University is educating people about the agriculture industry and the benefits of getting involved. Some who attended the workshop were small farmers, and others were interested in learning about what they need do to become a small farmer.
It is difficult to get into farming because it costs a lot of time and money to get started, but for those who need financial assistance, there are loans and grants available.
"That's the new thing where we're all giving so much importance to what we eat. Where it comes from, what chemicals are used, what nutrients it has. So there is a value for it," said Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean and Director of Research at Tennessee State University.
People from across the state came to learn more about what resources are available, like Linda and Silvester Taylor.
"We understand that the wave of the future, people are looking for fruits and vegetables that don't contain chemicals or as less chemicals as possible, it's healthier for you," said Linda Taylor.
The couple came to learn more about the organic sector, but in the process, they'll learn more about food safety and marketing. They said they're hopeful their crops will flourish, as well as their income.
