Farmer Training Program 2026

Anita has spent 15 years working on farms including non-profit, for-profit, urban and rural farms in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, Washington, D.C., and New Mexico. In 2019 she founded Not Our Farm, a non-profit farmworker storytelling and power building project. She is also an okra farmer at Ashokra Farm and a proud food safety nerd. Anita is a USDA HGAP+ auditor, Produce Safety Alliance lead trainer and a food safety lead reviewer and trainer with the New Mexico Grown Farm to Institution state-sponsored program. Anita loves to amplify the intersections of farm food safety with dignified labor conditions. 

Read more about Not Our Farm and Anita’s work here!

Angie Comeaux is of Mvskoke, Cherokee, Chahta, and French Creole descent, and belongs to Kvnfvske etvlwv, where she is Nokosvlke clan mother. Angie was born and raised in Bvlbancha, currently living and farming in south Alabama, in her ancestral Mvskoke homelands. She is a founding member of both Bvlbancha Collective and Okla Hina Ikhish Holo, two Indigenous Southeastern femme and non-binary collectives working in mutual aid, medicine, and food sovereignty, and rebuilding ancestral trade routes.

Read more of Angie’s bio here!

Iriel Edwards is a grower and local food advocate from West Monroe, LA, who is based out of Alexandria. Through her career she has worked to develop alternative food systems at the grassroots, regional, and national scale in ways that address racial capitalism, corporate monopolization, and toxic agriculture. Her food systems journey has included research, racial justice advocacy, organic farm management, cooperatives, market development, and more.

Read more of Iriel’s bio here!

Nelson’s broad exposure to food systems work helps him to see the interconnections between the decisions we make, the food we eat, and why we gather at a table. We all have a human right to grow and eat food that feeds not just our bodies, but our souls, hearts, and communities. With a curious mind and open heart, Nelson hopes to deepen his understanding of what the growers and eaters of New Orleans want and need to fill their bellies and hearts.

Read more of Nelson’s bio here!

Lisa Gray joined BREADA in 2013 as the Red Stick Mobile Farmers Market Coordinator/Outreach Manager. Ms. Gray received her B.S. in Agriculture from Southern University and A&M College and worked as a Research Associate/Extension Associate in Sustainable Plant and Animal Production Systems for Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center prior to joining BREADA.

Read more about Lisa’s bio and BREADA here!

Marguerite Green is the Executive Director of Louisiana Food Policy Action Council (FPAC). Green works in education and local food systems to create change and transfer power. Marguerite’s personal and professional passion is empowering people to grow food as a way to heal and support themselves as well as strengthen a community-based food system.

Read more of Margee’s bio here!

Angelina Harrison is originally from a small family dairy farm in Wisconsin. Angelina has worked to support small-scale, sustainable agriculture, and the producers that comprise it in various facets, and continues to do so as the new Interim Executive Director of Market Umbrella, leading an organization that supports thriving farmers markets, numerous local and statewide nutrition incentive programs, and vendor and food systems support work.

Read more of Angelina’s bio here!

Terence Jackson is a fifth-generation small farmer from Tuskegee, Alabama. Terence is a 2017 graduate of Tuskegee University with a bachelor's degree in Agribusiness and a concentration in farm entrepreneurship. He has a background in farming, gardening, timber production, drones, and over 14 years of experience working with underserved farmers and on-farm research.

Read more of Terence’s bio here!

Nicole Ryane Johnson is a farmer, entrepreneur, and food systems leader based in Lafayette, Louisiana. She is the co-owner of L4S Farms, where she and her partner grow turmeric, ginger, and medicinal herbs while building a regenerative homestead rooted in sustainability and self-reliance. Nicole also founded CPR 2 Geaux, a statewide emergency training company that reflects her commitment to building stronger, safer communities.

Read more of Nicole’s bio here!

Lauren Jones serves as the Executive Director of Shreveport Green, offering a decade of experience in community-based farming and environmental initiatives across Shreveport, Louisiana. In 2019, she spearheaded the creation of the Shreveport Green Urban Farm on historic Sprague Street, aiming to tackle food system disparities from a perspective of justice and sustainability.

Read more of LJ’s bio here!

Jennie Lallande is a farmer in coastal Iberia Parish and the Director of Acadiana Growers Alliance (AGA), a farmer-led nonprofit dedicated to strengthening local food systems across South Louisiana. Since 2013, she has worked alongside small family farms to expand market access, provide technical assistance, and improve food security in Louisiana. Through programs including the AGA Farmer Cooperative and Growers On The Go Mobile Farmers Market, Jennie is committed to helping local farmers thrive while connecting communities with fresh, locally grown food.

Read more about Acadiana Grower’s Alliance here!

Bahia has worked as an outdoor guide, a resource management technician, community organizing and outreach specialist, federal law enforcement officer, a small-business consultant, community development manager, grant manager, and most importantly, as a farmer.

Read more of Bahia’s bio here!

Chris Richmond serves as Louisiana Market and Vendor Specialist for Shreveport Green, where he organizes and supports the Alexandria Farmers Market. In this role he connects local growers, vendors and communities to strengthen Louisiana's regional food systems. Chris cares deeply about people and is dedicated to serving his community through meaningful connections and practical knowledge-sharing. He is excited to support farmers as a participant in the LSSAC Farmer training program.

Mina was born and raised in Pennsylvania and attended Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. Growing up, her family spent most of their time cooking, gathering, and spending quality time surrounded by fresh food. Through her work with SPROUT she is able to connect with people and growers at all levels and continues to put her energy into feeding people in a different way.

Read more of Mina’s bio here!