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Pearls of Wisdom
Industrial hemp ’ s complex history in Missouri
“ Mr . Pearl , one last question before you have to go ,” I called out . “ Hit me ,” he responded .
“ I know industrial hemp was legalized to grow once again five years ago now , and I ’ m wondering if you ever considered growing it at Pearl Family Farm ?” I asked with a combination of caution and naivete .
The Pearl Family Farm grows everything from potatoes to broccoli , onions to collard greens , and is well known for its exceptional heirloom tomatoes . In fact , its produce is served at several Kansas City-area restaurants . It continues to focus on regenerative agriculture and climate-resilient practices . This season , especially , the Pearl Family Farm is focused on wildlife habitat restoration and conservation on the farm , more comprehensive no-till farming methods , and farm equity as it relates to labor .
He gave a slight chuckle , and I ’ ve grown to know that he ’ s softening the air to deliver a harsh truth .
“ I was one of the first ones that had an application on my desk when it opened up . It ’ s probably still there if it didn ’ t end up in the trash can .” Mr . Pearl paused in reflection . “ It ’ s too close to home . I didn ’ t want to touch it .”
His words and sentiment made time stand still , and we both paused briefly , in silence in an unspoken understanding , in honor of the Pearl Family legacy .
The Pearl family at the Farmers Market . ( Photo by Ari Fish )
Ari Fish ’ s youngest daughter on the Pearl Family Farm with a beautiful rainbow as a backdrop . ( Photo by Ari Fish )
Today , Mr . Micheal Pearl sits on the boards of the Kansas City Food Hub , KC Farm School , and After the Harvest . He is a member of the Parkville Missouri Ethics Commission . Mr . Pearl is a pivotal mentor in the Returning Generation Black ( RGB ) Farmers Collective program alongside Ryan Tenney of Sankara Farm . The RGB Farmers Collective is a SARE-funded project that aims to uplift the future of Black Farmers in Missouri by supporting Black Growers and producers with mentorship and training .
38 September 2024
You can learn more about Mr . Pearl and the Pearl Family Farm by visiting www . PearlFamilyFarm . com . The farm offers an annual CSA ( Community Supported Agriculture Initiative , a concept founded by the famous Black Agrarian Dr . Booker T . Whatley ) membership to Kansas City area residents with fresh produce grown on its 100 acres . You can patron the Pearl Family Market produce stand every Saturday , spring through fall , at the Overland Park , Kansas Farmers Market .
About the author : Ari Fish is an educator , visual artist , designer , writer , and farmer . She spent the last few years studying regenerative farming in the Kansas City area on the Pearl Family Farm and KC Farm School . Drawn to regenerative and organic farming practices , historic , and grassroots stories . Fish manages all marketing and design at C4 ( Carroll County Cannabis Co .).