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Farmer J

Jamila Norman, a.k.a (Farmer J) is a first generation daughter to Caribbean parents whose history is rooted in agriculture. She is an internationally recognized urban farmer, food activist and mother based in Atlanta, GA. She is a University of Georgia graduate with a degree in Environmental Engineering. After 10 years in her professional career, Jamila has now committed fully to operating her independent, organic urban farm, Patchwork City Farms, which she founded 2010. In 2014 she served as a US delegate to Slow Food’s Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, in Turin, Italy. She and her farm have been featured in various publications, including Modern Farmer Magazine, SeedStock.com, The Library of Congress and the Southern Foodways Alliance oral history project. Jamila is also one of the founding members and current manager of the South West Atlanta Growers Cooperative (SWAG Coop), formed in 2010 as a cooperative centered around black urban farmers in Atlanta’s burgeoning urban agriculture movement. SWAG Cooperative exists to strengthen Atlanta’s Black farmers and to create a transformative, environmentally and culturally responsible Atlanta food system that contributes to a robust and equitable high quality of life for its farmers and communities. Most recently, Jamila has joined the board of Georgia Organics, a member supported, non-profit organization connecting organic food from Georgia farms to Georgia families, and is an active member of the Atlanta Farmers Coalition. Jamila is recognized as a Cherry Bombe 100, which is list that celebrates women in food who inspire us every day with their creativity, energy, humanity, and hard work

In addition to her farm, she is also a contributing writer for the anthology, OASIS (Oldways Africana Soup in Stories), a publication of culturally-informed soup recipes that seeks to foster and expand conversation about nutritional knowledge and Black women’s wellness, in conjunction with Dr. Stephanie Evans of Clark Atlanta University and the Oldways African Heritage & Health leadership team. You will find her growing food, serving her community, working with and advocating for other farmers as well as launching initiatives around food, health, wellness and Yoga. She is passionate about the work that she does to contribute to a healthy economy for all.

Patchwork City Farms

Patchwork City Farms (PCF) is a 1.2 acre independently-owned urban farm located in the city of Atlanta GA. Its original inception began in the Historic West End neighborhood of Atlanta and has now moved to is permanent location of Oakland City. PCF continues to be at the leading edge of Farm to Table, Slow Food, and Sustainable Agricultural movements to name a few. The farm is Certified Naturally Grown and we are committed to growing produce that is safe and nutritious. We do not use unsafe chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. We love nature and enjoy growing fresh vegetables for our community. That is why we are dedicated to practicing sustainable agriculture. Currently, we grow vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. Our seasonal veggies are sold through local farmers markets and our Weekly Seasonal Farm Shop which is pre-orderd and picked up by the customer Friday at the farm or Saturday at our market location. We promote a healthy and safe environment by demonstrating and teaching others how to grow safe foods, live a healthy life and cultivate vibrant productive spaces. Come out to visit and volunteer on our farm.

Atlanta-based farmer Jamila Norman of Patchwork City Farms helps families transform their outdoor spaces into beautiful and functional backyard farms while exploring the joy and benefits of growing your own food. Watch now on the Magnolia Network on HBO Max or whereever you stream your favorite shows.

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