VSU to Host Kendall Rae Johnson for Kickoff of USDA’s Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador Tour
VSU student and Kendall Rae in the greenhouse at Randolph Farm.
Youngest Certified Farmer to Launch USDA Youth Ag Tour at VSU
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2025
Contact: Erica Shambley, Director of Marketing, 804-524-5965, eshambley@vsu.edu
ETTRICK, Va. – March 12, 2025 – Virginia State University (VSU) College of Agriculture will be the first stop on the USDA’s inaugural Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador Tour, featuring Kendall Rae Johnson, the youngest certified farmer in the United States. The tour begins on March 19 and will highlight opportunities in urban agriculture while promoting the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Youth Ag Loan Program.
This tour, led by VSU’s Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP) in partnership with USDA’s National Urban Agriculture Initiative (NUag), is a USDA-funded effort aimed at expanding access to agricultural education and financial resources for young and aspiring farmers. Over the course of the tour, Kendall Rae will visit five 1890 land-grant universities, including Tennessee State University, South Carolina State University, Fort Valley State University, and Prairie View A&M University.
VSU College of Agriculture will host events bringing together youths, collegiate faculty and staff, 4-H members, urban farmers, and community members to engage in discussions on urban agriculture, youth entrepreneurship, and financial support available to young farmers.
As part of her visit, Kendall Rae will conduct an agricultural literacy reading from her book, I'm Growing Places, and introduce her latest product, Kraezy Good Tomato Sauce – Easy Kid Cooking. She will also meet with students, farmers, and community leaders to discuss urban agriculture and entrepreneurship.
William Crutchfield, director of the SFOP at Virginia State University commented on the significance of the event, stating, "As the lead on this national initiative, VSU is excited to support Kendall Rae’s mission of inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. This tour provides an important opportunity to showcase urban agriculture and encourage young people to explore careers in farming and agribusiness."
Kendall Rae Johnson added, "This is a dream come true! I’m excited to start this journey at VSU, sharing my passion for farming and learning from students and faculty along the way. This tour is a chance for us all to grow together."
The USDA Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador Tour is designed to bridge urban and rural agricultural communities, promote sustainable practices, and empower future agricultural leaders.
About VSU College of Agriculture’s Small Farm Outreach Program (VSU-SFOP)
The Virginia State University College of Agriculture’s Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP) provides resources, training, and financial guidance to historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and agricultural communities. As a lead partner in the National Urban Agriculture Initiative (NUag), VSU-SFOP is committed to increasing awareness and access to agricultural opportunities for urban youths and small-scale farmers across the country.
About Kendall Rae Johnson
Kendall Rae Johnson, the youngest certified farmer in the U.S., is a passionate advocate for sustainable urban farming. Through her nonprofit, Kendall Rae’s Green Heart Corporation, she has empowered over 400 students and supported more than 50 youth entrepreneurs. Her mission is to inspire young people to engage in agriculture and make a meaningful impact in their communities.