Jada Williams (Photo: Kylie Ramirez)
Jada Williams is an African American woman and a new and beginning small-scale farmer who began her regenerative farming experience in 2023. Her farming journey has been directed by a strong desire to feed herself, her family, and her community. She manages the Fresh Roots Farm in Columbus, Ohio. Jada’s grandfather grew tomatoes in the front yard and equipped her with her prior farming experience. Though engaged with other day jobs, she works assiduously in partnership with others on a black-operated community garden.
She has observed increasing biodiversity in the garden soil and connects it to some of the regenerative practices utilized, such as composting, crop rotation, and cover cropping. Her passion is to provide healthy produce in her community that lacks access to fresh food. While Jada enjoys great community support, land access, and financial support are resources needed to expand her farming operation. Much of the produce Jada grows goes to the food pantry. She feels fulfilled and motivated because her effort is truly appreciated and makes an impact in the community. Jada has much gratitude to nature and her mentors.
“No matter your economic status, no matter where you live, no matter where you came from. You deserve to eat quality food that is nourishing to your body. And that has been really driving what I’ve done this year, and all the things that I plan to do in the years to come.”
