Ag News
Farmers needed to help Flint River Fresh feed Albany
Posted on Apr 03, 2019 at 0:00 AM
Since 2017, Flint River Fresh has been working to help small farmers in the Albany area sell the food they grow directly to consumers and Dougherty County schools. Many of the non-profit’s customers have limited or no access to fresh produce.
Fredando Jackson, “Farmer Fredo,” runs the 501(c)(3) organization created by the Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District. Jackson has been selling eggs and produce grown in South Georgia through pop-up farm stands and a farm-to-table box program.
Now he’s looking to expand his roster of farmers who can supply food for the organization’s customers – schools, restaurants, grocery stores, farmer’s markets, institutions and consumers.
Jackson said he needs farmers year-round who produce local, seasonal fruit and vegetables, herbs, meat and artisan goods. Flint River Fresh currently sells collard greens, turnips, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, sweet corn, green beans, blackberries, satsumas, muscadines and watermelons.
Flint River Fresh expects to pay participating farmers prices comparable to what they would receive at the Atlanta Farmers Market, Jackson said. Farmers interested in selling to Flint River Fresh should be Good Agricultural Practices certified, follow food safety protocols and must agree to Jackson or other FRF representatives visiting the farm to see its growing area and packing facilities.
Jackson is also looking for farms to help with the Flint River Fresh mission of teaching children how to grow food.
“We are looking for farms where we can bring kids for farm tours and for farmers we can schedule for school visits to have farmers meet students during our Harvest of the Month demonstrations,” Jackson said.
Ideally, farms supplying food to Flint River Fresh are located in Georgia within a 75-mile radius of Albany. Farmers interested in selling food or hosting school visits should contact Jackson at 229-942-9757 or fredando@flintriverfresh.org.
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