Here are several images of Kendall Rae Johnson, capturing her passion and accomplishments in urban farming.
Who is Kendall Rae Johnson?
Kendall Rae Johnson is a remarkable 10-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia—widely recognized as America’s youngest USDA-certified farmer. She embarked on her agricultural journey at just three years old, working alongside her great-grandmother to propagate collard greens from kitchen scraps .
By age six, she officially earned her farming tract ID, becoming the youngest certified farmer in the U.S. Her initiative didn’t stop there—she founded aGROWKulture, an urban farm cultivating a variety of produce including sweet potatoes, strawberries, collard greens, peppers, and more. The farm serves not only as a source of fresh food but also as an educational community hub .
Kendall is also the driving force behind Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth with STEAM skills and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship and sustainability .
In recognition of her contributions, Georgia declared March 23, 2023, as “Kendall Rae Johnson Day” .
A Full-Ride to her Future
On a national college tour organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Virginia State University, Kendall visited South Carolina State University (SCSU). Her maturity and depth of knowledge—discussing topics like microorganisms, crop counts, and cattle—so impressed SCSU that she was awarded a full scholarship of $83,500, covering tuition, fees, and housing .
SCSU President Alexander Conyers remarked:
“We were genuinely inspired by Kendall Rae’s focus and maturity. It’s not every day you meet a 10-year-old who talks about microorganisms, crop counts and longhorn cattle. She’s remarkable.”
A Glimpse at Her Background
Inspired from childhood: Kendall’s interest in farming sparked as early as age three, in her family’s kitchen, learning from her great-grandmother Laura “Kate” Williams .
Family support: For her fourth birthday, her father gifted her a raised garden bed, which helped turn gardening into a passion and community project .
Growing an ecosystem: She more than tended her garden—her enthusiasm and skill led neighbors and friends to join in, stepping up the project into aGROWKulture, an urban farm with educational outreach .
Why Her Story Matters
Youth empowerment and sustainability: At such a young age, Kendall exemplifies the impact one person can make—promoting sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and encouraging peers to get involved.
Education and leadership: Through her nonprofit and school tour, she shows a compelling integration of science, entrepreneurship, and leadership—especially inspiring for young learners.
Recognition and momentum: Her story has garnered local and national attention, leading to symbolic honors like her own day in Georgia and a generous college scholarship.
