A Holt property ravaged by the April 27 tornado has been transformed into a community based “mission farm.”

The farm, organized by volunteer coalition Project Team Up and community rebuilding organization Bennu America, was a model developed to create a local sustainable food system for the Holt community. The crops will be cultivated by community members. They will be trained to grow, process and prepare the produce.

Mark Rubino, partner at the Staysail Group, said while the underlying objective of the project is to grow crops and get them in the hands of those in need, the model will provide more to the community than food.

“This is a truly community-driven, long-term holistic effort,” Rubino said. “We want to get the youth engaged. This is an opportunity for employment and certification in the culinary arts. It is an opportunity for community members to become re-skilled.”

Nancy Callahan, a lifelong Holt resident, donated the land being used for the project. She hopes that the land will become a part of area children’s lives.

“What I envision someday is that even children from Holt Elementary School will be able to come here and if nothing else pull up weeds or maybe plant some of the seeds,” Callahan said.  “And they will be introduced to farming as an option, a really important option, that they will have in their lives and their growth as human beings.”

As Callahan alluded, one of the many goals of the model is to introduce a generation to the agriculture industry. Riz Shakir, member of the Project Team Up Board of Directors and UA business professor, hopes this model will introduce young people to the economic benefits of farming.

“Young people need to see they can make just as much money farming,” Shakir said. “The basic need will always be there.”

Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture John McMillan agreed agriculture could provide economic benefits to the area.

“There is potential for economic development,” McMillan said. “We can benefit from the seeds we plant today and share what we learn here.”

Tombigbee Resource Conservation and development has offered the Holt Callahan mission farm a grant to be used for developing internships and engaging students. Rubino and Shakir agree on the importance of getting students involved.

“We are committed to finding the real, meaningful ways for university and high school students to contribute,” Shakir said. “Mark and I are very committed to generally sustainable living.”

Shakir encouraged UA students to volunteer at the farm and log their hours on SLPro. For more information on volunteering, interning or the project in general, call (205) 247-2777 or email [email protected].