The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District has a lot of new faces, and a few you may recognize. We’ll be taking the next few weeks to introduce and re-introduce you to our wonderful team, share more about their role at the District, and a bit about each of them. The final feature in our Meet our Team series is Fredando Jackson, affectionately known as Farmer Fredo. Fredando is a southwest Georgia native and currently lives in Leesburg with his wife and son. He has worked in the area as a farmer and advocate for several years. Fredando joined the District team in 2017 to lead the Urban Agriculture Initiative. This has since been established as an independent 501(c)(3) organization, Flint River Fresh. Fredando continues to work closely with District personnel to incorporate conservation into Flint River Fresh activities, while leading the direction and vision of the organization, managing programs of the organization, and building community partnerships to increase access to healthy produce within the Albany community. Read our interview with Fredando below!
Where are you originally from?
Plains, Georgia
What impact to you hope to make as a part of Flint River Fresh and the District team?
To increase the amount of vacant lots or abandoned properties that are used to grow food and distribute farm fresh produce locally. To create spaces where young people and adults are learning from each other how build a sustainable community food system. To create path for urban farmers to be recognized as agents of change in our community.
What inspires you to work in conservation?
I've always enjoyed being outside since I was a child. My peace is nature. Listening to birds chirping in the morning. Feeling the cool breeze while working in the garden. Hearing the sound of raining on a tin roof. Watching the sunset in the midst of the evening cool down.
If you were a common Georgia crop, what would it be?
Pecan
What could we find you doing on a typical Saturday afternoon?
Outside in the garden with something on the grill. Or in the kitchen.
Anything else exciting that you’d like our supporters to know?
I was recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as their 2019 Farm to School Farmer of the Year.