TruCulture Farm
is a seven-acre Black-owned family farm in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, that specializes in the cultivation and sale of heirloom Afro-Indigenous and Caribbean-inspired food, and culturally relevant commodities, crafts, and medicinal products. It received a $5,000 grant to establish a living fruit orchard by purchasing native fruit trees along with companion plants, soil, and drip irrigation materials.
“We planted forty diverse fruit trees—loquat, fig, blueberry, nectarine, currants, lime, lemon, tamarind, plum, and pear—and over 200 pollinator-friendly plants, such as marigold and hyssop, to support our orchard’s growth. Additionally, we propagated tropical fruit plants like dragon fruit and cherimoya. We hosted three volunteer groups that contributed to the orchard’s development by cutting river cane, transplanting trees, and planting fruit trees ahead of winter. In December, we celebrated our achievements with a community appreciation event, sharing garden-grown food and fruit. Despite challenges like a summer drought limiting river cane supply, we are proud of our growth and grateful for the support of this grant!” said Founder/Operations Manager Bailey Hutchison.
