Central State University Extension receives grant to test African heritage crops

Central State University Extension has been awarded $49,999 in 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant funding to test the viability and sustainability of culturally specific African crops in Ohio climates and soil types.

These crops, which include heritage greens, okra, southern peas, amaranth, waterleaf, peppers, eggplant, basil, and others, have specific tracings to Africa and were brought to America by Africans hiding and carrying homeland seeds during the African Diaspora. Since their introduction to American agricultural farmlands, much effort has been given to saving seeds and maintaining the quality of these crops as viable food sources; however, finding and purchasing them has been difficult.  

The SARE Grant for 2024 is part of the Partnership Grant Program, which is intended to foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.  This project will test the viability and sustainability of these crops in Ohio climates and soil types.

With CSU Extension, four Ohio African American urban farmers in two cities will grow between two and 10 African heritage crops per farm. Productivity will determine the overall success of these crops and their potential to allow Ohio farmers to market and profit from them.   

"Consumers of African descent need a local source to obtain these beloved crops," said Clare Thorn, extension associate of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Central State University.

“This important project will not only help make it easier for them, but it expands growth opportunities for local minority farmers.”

The two-year trials will take place at Ohio urban farm locations in Cincinnati and Columbus, the CSU Research Farm in Wilberforce, and the CSU Seed to Bloom Botanical Garden. Results will be shared with farmers and customers and will inspire a permanent heritage garden at the Botanical Garden.  

For more information on the SARE grant, contact Thorn at cthorn@centralstate.edu.