Amber's Farm
Amber D. Smith
Founder & CEO
I’m Amber D. Smith, also known as Farmher Amber. I’m excited to share a bit about me and my journey to this business. I’m an educator and project manager with 22 years of experience. I have a master’s degree in education with a focus on mathematics and science. I love learning and I tend to investigate whatever piques my interest at the moment. At my core, I’m an access creator. I believe that it isn't opportunity or ability that many are excluded from, it’s access – access to knowledge, growth and ultimately opportunity.
​
I’ve often been the “only” -- only Black person, only woman, only STEM professional, only first-generation student. It can be a burden, but I chose to look at it as a blessing. My parents taught me that I am where I am in life because of Jesus, them, of course, and my village. So I want to be that village for more people. I want to create more access and build more inclusive spaces and farming allows me to do so.
About Our Farm
Our farm is licensed, registered, and certified as MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) / WBE (Women Business Enterprise) in the state of Missouri. We are a registered and recognized farm by the United States Department of Agriculture. We are certified farmers using the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). We are members of the Black Farmers Collective and Kansas City Black Urban Growers. I am a certified Master Gardener through Louisiana State University and currently seeking endorsement through the states of Missouri and Kansas.
​
Lastly, I have officially started the process of becoming a recognized USDA Certified Organic farm. It is a lengthy process, often taking two to three years to complete. In the meantime, we use crop rotation, companion planting, and “The Lion King” method. (Insert “Circle of Life” song -- think prey and predator) I also use other sustainable farming practices to ensure we are not degrading the land we farm, but enriching it, instead.
Why Farming?
I started farming full time on April 19, 2020, after growing for five years. I wish I could say I had some grandiose story that brought me to it, but I don't. My full-time position as a project and program manager ended April 10 because of COVID-19. I have a son who loves cool drinks from Starbucks, likes to grab a few things from Target and I needed to have a way to take care of my family.
Community Wellness
I love farming because food is love. The kitchen is how my family celebrates, mourns, and maneuvers through the stages of life. And farming is also about total wellness. It combines all that is important to me as a mom, teacher, and community member. It’s a catalyst to holistically address the mind, body and spirit.
