The rural, poverty-stricken community of Sylvester, Georgia, with a population of less than 6,200, is bridging arts and agriculture to create the world’s largest sculpture that feeds people. Agricultural researchers and 4-H extension staff at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) combine aeroponic technology with a bee farm, banana farm, and integrated black plastic research to grow traditional crops that feed more than 1,000 households annually for free. The project affects Georgia’s underserved-at-risk-minority youth and their families with quality healthy living education and experiential learning opportunities while improving dietary choices and increasing physical fitness.
NIFA supports this community outreach effort with 1890 Capacity Grant funding. Read the full story at FVSU's website.
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