ABOUT KADA "Agri-Conservation for All"

Kentucky Agriculture Development Advocacy (KADA), Inc is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social welfare, conservation education, and technical support for underserved farmers, land tenants, and landowners in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and surrounding states. Founded by Tonya Smith, a third-generation BIPOC farmer, KADA is committed to expanding advocacy, representation within the agricultural sector, and equitable access to resources.

What We Do

KADA provides personalized support, including one-on-one assistance, mentoring webinars, outreach initiatives, and field day demonstrations, all focused on educating everyone about the long-term benefits of conservation equity and agriculture resources. We aim to foster a more equitable and sustainable agricultural future by facilitating strong partnerships between producers, agriculture agencies, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature.

Get Involved

Our goal extends beyond the farming community to include those who are passionate about biodiversity and environmental stewardship. KADA is dedicated to empowering everyone with crucial information and services to implement sustainable practices for soil health and water quality, safeguard their livelihoods, and protect our natural ecosystems. We invite everyone—from outdoor enthusiasts to homesteaders—to join us in creating a better ecosystem for all

Tonya Smith

Generational Farmer, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer (CVO)

About Tonya

Tonya Smith’s journey in conservation agriculture is deeply rooted in Kentucky’s rich farming tradition, where she grew up immersed in the hard work of dairy farming, tobacco, and other crops. This upbringing instilled in her resilience and a deep sense of community—values that have shaped her path as a leader in agriculture.

Tonya became the first Black woman in Kentucky to start a grape vineyard, aptly named "Gateway Vineyard," symbolizing a gateway new opportunities in a field often lacking in diversity. Her innovative approach to farming diversified her family’s operations and added a meaningful dimension to their farm.

Recognizing the need for greater equity and resources for underserved farmers, Tonya founded Kentucky Ag Development Advocacy - KADA, Inc. Through KADA, she has become a vital advocate for underserved farmers, particularly BIPOC farmers, ensuring they have access to resources, support and tools necessary for success and conservation equity.

Tonya’s influence extends beyond her local area and state. She has hosted a State Agricultural and Food Townhall and spearheaded initiatives like the Biochar project through a Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG), aimed at improving soil health and sustainability. She has directed $2 million toward conservation projects, education, and support within the agricultural conservation landscape. Her dedication to conservation and equity has also led her to collaborate with state representatives and develop an educational curricula focused on the social dynamics in agriculture.

Alongside Tiffany Bellfield, Tonya played an instrumental role in founding the Kentucky Black Farmers Association, and she hosted of the first BIPOC NRCS Field Day in the state, Tonya Smith’s legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to equity in agriculture and conservation. Her impact is seen not just in the fields she’s cultivated, but in the lives she’s transformed through her advocacy and leadership.

KADA's Area Focus: Ag Conservation & Regenerative Initiatives, Resource Education, Contractual/Freelance and One-one One Consultations

Agriculture background: dairy production, tobacco, conservation, viticulture (grape production), corn, hay and forage

Meet the Team

Hands-on experience in agriculture and conservation

Ambassador Director

Angel Ballew

Angel serves as a national representative and podcaster for the organization, advocating for its mission in agricultural conservation and regenerative products. She leads education efforts and represents the organization at key events and forums. Through her role, she enhances the visibility and impact of the organization’s conservation efforts, fostering collaboration and growth.

KADA Focus: Education, National Panel Speaking Engagements, Podcast and Regenerative Products

Agriculture background: commodities

Operations Director

Amy Arnett

Amy is the backbone of KADA. She oversees logistics that ensure organizational structure, manages implementing KADA’s strategies, coordinates internal processes, and ensures projects are executed efficiently. Amy’s role involves marketing, streamlining workflows, and handling the operational needs to support KADA’s mission. Her leadership ensures that initiatives and outreach efforts are effective.

Agriculture background: urban landscape

Community Director

Rita Sims

Rita leads impactful community engagement, building strong local and global relationships and promoting the organization’s mission. She coordinates cohort events and develops strategies for member retention and outreach. Rita ensures a positive, inclusive environment while aligning community activities with the organization’s agricultural conservation goals for better soil health, air, and water quality.

KADA Focus: Field Days, Workshops, Cohorts, Kentucky Panel Speaking Engagements, Global Networking

Agriculture background: vegetable production

OUR INITIATIVES

OUR Approach

KADA Initiatives:

Conservation Projects: KADA leads various conservation projects aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These projects focus on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity, helping farmers implement practices that protect and enhance natural resources.

Education and Training: KADA offers extensive educational programs, including webinars, workshops, and field day demonstrations. These initiatives are designed to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills they need to adopt long-term sustainable farming practices.

Advocacy and Representation: KADA is deeply committed to advocating for the rights and needs of underserved farmers. This includes working to ensure equitable access to resources and representation in agricultural policies and programs.

Partnership Building: KADA facilitates partnerships between farmers and agricultural agencies, helping to create a network of support that empowers farmers to thrive. These partnerships are crucial for accessing funding, technical assistance, and other resources.

Resource Access and Support: KADA provides personalized support to farmers, offering one-on-one assistance to help them navigate complex agricultural systems and access the resources they need to succeed.

Equity Education Outreach

Mike Jackson’s innovative approach to sustainable agriculture.

Each year, we sponsor a farmer who is advancing their agricultural product to exhibit at Kentucky's Fruit & Vegetable Conference. This year, our featured sponsor is Mike Jackson, founder of Kentucky Greens Company, a hydroponics farm based in Louisville, KY. Mike’s innovative approach to sustainable agriculture highlights the potential of hydroponics in urban farming, and we are proud to support his mission in showcasing his work at the conference.

Kamal Bell is creating change in North Carolina.

At Sankofa Farm with owner, Kamal Bell provides us an educational tour on his farm and discusses the agricultural landscape for historically underserved farmers in North Carolina's agriculture landscape.

KADA hosted farmers to explore alternative agricultural methods for maximizing production when land is limited in their communities.

KADA hosted farmers from Kentucky and Indiana at Food Chain in Lexington, KY, to explore indoor hydroponics systems. The event demonstrated sustainable growing techniques, highlighting year-round production and efficient use of space and water.

Urban Farmer Mariel Gardner, owner of 5th Element Farm in Jefferson County.

KADA hosted a Small Scale & Urban Farmer session at Kentucky's Fruit & Vegetable Conference, featuring Mariel Gardner, owner of 5th Element Farm in Jefferson County, alongside other small-scale and urban farmers. Mariel highlighted the empowerment and positive impact these farmers bring to their communities.

KADA Conservation Field Day: NRCS rain simulator demonstration

Many farmers are not fully aware of the importance of rainwater depth and how it impacts the water needs of their crops, which can lead to under- or over-irrigation. Proper understanding of rainwater depth is crucial for optimizing water use and improving crop yields.

Many underserved farmers have historically been excluded from discussions on conservation practices that could improve their soil health and land structure, leading to declining yields.

KADA hosted a USDA Natural Resource Conservation Field Day at Knob Hill Farm, focusing on improving historically underserved land and providing farmers with valuable insights on accessing USDA resources. Attendees learned about conservation practices, funding opportunities, and strategies to enhance land sustainability.

Building Equity in Indiana. Unity is essential when addressing food justice, along with transparency and open communication.

KADA hosted a conservation field day at Kheprw Institute's 17-acre urban farm in Indiana, focused on beginning and small-scale farmers. Indiana's USDA Farm Service Agency Director addressed the group, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to mitigate food insecurity.

KADA Approach:

Equity-Focused: KADA’s approach is grounded in the belief that all farmers, regardless of background, should have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and representation. This focus on equity drives all of KADA’s initiatives and interactions with the farming community.

Community-Centric: KADA values the power of community and works to build strong, supportive networks among farmers, landowners, and agricultural agencies. By fostering a sense of community, KADA ensures that farmers have the support they need to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Sustainability-Driven: KADA prioritizes long-term agricultural sustainability, emphasizing practices that protect the environment and ensure the continued viability of farming for future generations. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in all of KADA’s conservation projects and educational efforts.

Holistic Support: KADA’s approach is comprehensive, providing farmers with not just resources but also education, advocacy, and partnership opportunities. By addressing the full spectrum of farmers’ needs, KADA helps them build resilient and successful operations.

Innovation and Adaptation: KADA encourages innovation in agriculture, supporting farmers as they explore new methods and technologies. This forward-thinking approach helps farmers adapt to changing conditions and stay competitive in the agricultural sector.