Youth lead the way at Open Farm Day focused on gardening, food access, and entrepreneurship

Albany, GA — Happening this Saturday, February 7th, the Fresh Roots Rising Youth Program invites the community to a free, hands-on Open Farm Day at the 5th Avenue Community Garden from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Activities will showcase how gardening, small-space growing, entrepreneurship, and resilient communities are interconnected. Come and learn how growing food and business opportunities belong together.

The Fresh Roots Rising Youth Program alongside community partners curated youth-led learning stations designed for families, beginning gardeners, and aspiring entrepreneurs to grow their knowledge about healthy food production and transitioning their passion for growing food or making handmade goods into potentially prosperous business ventures.

Attendees will have continuous access to interactive how-to stations focused on:

• Garden planning and mapping recommended for winter and spring crops
• Garden reset and soil care: composting, irrigation basics, and more fundamentals
• Small-space growing: spotlighting self-irrigating planters (SIP systems) and grow bags
• Seed Starting: hands-on planting experience complete with take home tomato or pepper seeds

This event is a unique pairing of gardening skills development and introductory business acumen guidance. Community members will learn from Widget Development & Trading Company, a renowned agriculture business resource hub, at the Open-Flow Business and Market Readiness Station. Industry experts will lead discussions with question-and-answer sessions aimed at elevating ideas, forming or growing business plans, branding and packaging, value-added product development, websites and e-commerce, market readiness, sales training, and business operations.

“Youth are learning that growing food is just the beginning,” said Fredando “Farmer Fredo” Jackson, Flint River Fresh’s Executive Director. “This Open Farm Day shows how gardening connects to leadership, entrepreneurship, and real opportunities for families and neighborhoods.”

Open Farm Day is perfect for all experience levels, from first-time gardeners to small-scale growers and food entrepreneurs. Families, youth, educators, and community members are encouraged to attend.

The event is free and open to the public. No prior gardening experience is needed.

EVENT DETAILS:
Location: 5th Avenue Community Garden, Albany, GA
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: Free

For more information or media inquiries, contact:
Fredando “Farmer Fredo” Jackson
(229) 942-9757