6 Year old Georgia Girl Honored in 2022 as State’s Youngest Certified Farmer

Featured on Good Morning America

By Jackie Romain, USDA FNS Southeast

Georgia’s youngest certified farmer is Kendall Rae Johnson. SERO was onsite when Good Morning America (GMA) filmed the little farmer at work. Kendall was not shy when talking about the many things she grows and how to find and get rid of bugs growing on her produce. “My garden is my favorite part of my house,” said Kendall.

The “garden” Kendall refers to has grown into a backyard farm and business named aGROWKulture. With the help of her parents, Kendall grows vegetables, hosts visitors, works alongside other children interested in farming, and provides fresh food to the community. Profits from produce sales are being used to build an outdoor agriculture science lab among other things. This happy, friendly, upbeat little girl seems unaware of how she is inspiring and helping people within and outside the agriculture industry. Kendall says what she really likes best about being a farmer is playing in the dirt. After the December filming in Atlanta, the Johnson family flew to New York and was interviewed by GMA host, Michael Strahan. With over 5 million viewers, Kendall displayed fruits and vegetables from her farm and demonstrated how to grow produce. On the show, she was awarded a $10,000 check to help fund her farming activities.

Kendall’s garden is also used in her home school curriculum. Ursula Johnson, Kendall’s mom told SERO Public Affairs that Kendall learned to count to 100 by counting plants on the farm, and the farm is also used to teach science and vocabulary. “Kendall’s mission is to meet new friends, make new things, and inspire other kids,” said Mrs. Johnson.