Farm Credit Mid-America and Discovery Park of America Team Up for Agriculture Education

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Farm Credit Mid-America Pavillion and Greenhouses Grand Opening

Photo credit: Discovery Park of America

Agriculture is the backbone of America, and we all rely on the food, fiber and fuel the industry provides for our survival. Yet only 1.5% of our nation’s population is engaged in farming today, and most American families are three or four generations removed from the farm. That’s why Farm Credit Mid-America and Discovery Park of America in Union City are teaming up to teach youth – and future generations – about the importance of agriculture through the Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion and Greenhouses.

See more: Youth In Agriculture

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In September 2023, Discovery Park of America hosted a grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting for its new Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion and Greenhouses, which will provide hands-on educational experiences for children and adults. The new pavilion and two greenhouses are on the north side of the park adjacent to Discovery Park’s vineyard and pollinator gardens.

Farm Credit Mid-America Pavillion and Greenhouses Grand Opening

Photo credit: Discovery Park of America

Discover Agriculture Education

“Our mission is to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture, and our people believe deeply in that mission. It’s way bigger than annual or quarterly results,” says Jason Alexander, senior vice president of agricultural lending for Farm Credit Mid-America in Tennessee. “When we have opportunities to educate and teach the next generation about agriculture, there’s no better way to fulfill our mission. Seeing kids get their hands in the dirt and learn about where their food comes from is one of the many ways we’re helping more people understand the importance of agriculture.”

See more: Tennessee FFA Chapters Receive Support From Farm Credit Mid-America

Farm Credit Mid-America Pavillion and Greenhouses Grand Opening

Photo credit: Discovery Park of America

The Education Pavilion and two greenhouses are a welcome addition to Discovery Park’s existing permanent agriculture exhibit called “Agriculture: Innovating for Our Survival.” It tells the story of farming innovation past, present and future, and features a “Faces of Farming” section with more than 250 portraits of men and women working in agriculture today.

“The mission of Discovery Park is to inspire children and adults to see beyond,” says Scott Williams, president and CEO of Discovery Park of America. “We’re very much aware of the importance of finding as many ways as possible to provide food, fuel and fiber to a growing and changing population. Innovation in that area is happening quickly, so we want Discovery Park to be a place both children and adults can learn more about that in a fun way.”

Discovery Park of America greenhouses

Photo credit: Discovery Park of America

Growing in the Greenhouses

One of the new greenhouses will provide a place for Discovery Park’s grounds team and volunteers to work with plants that will be used to enhance the park’s 40 acres of landscaping. The second greenhouse has been designated for educational programs and interactive experiences for visitors.

See more: Farm Credit Mid-America and Tennessee FFA Share Vision of a Brighter Future

“Kids will be able to come with school groups or church groups and dig in and get their hands dirty,” Alexander says. “On opening day, people were able to come pot plants to take home. There will be lots of learning opportunities, and it ties in really well with everything else they have going on at Discovery Park.”

Photo credit: Discovery Park of America

The Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion and Greenhouses will spotlight topics relating to the business side of agriculture as well as growing cycles, garden design, soil health and plant science. Both traditional growing methods and hydroponic systems will be featured.

The project was funded by several organizations including Farm Credit Mid-America, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Green Plains, the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation and others.

“We also had numerous individual donors whom we called ‘Green Thumbs,’” Williams says.

Photo credit: Discovery Park of America

Giving to the Next Generation

To further fulfill its mission in 2023, Farm Credit Mid-America has given back nearly $4 million to communities in four states where their customers and team members live and work. These funds are being invested in programs such as FFA and 4-H, as well as educational projects like the one at Discovery Park.

See more: Farm Credit Mid-America’s Growing Forward® Program Brings Community Together

“If you ask anyone at Farm Credit Mid-America what makes it special, they’ll say it’s the people and the culture – and that’s what drives our mission,” Alexander says. “We are playing an infinite game because it doesn’t end with us. It’s about future generations and making sure we are here 100-plus more years and agriculture remains as strong as ever.”

Photo credit: Discovery Park of America

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