In this episode of Voices from the Field, Audrey Kolde, an NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist, talks with Iriel Edwards, the farmer and owner of The Dancing Radicle Farm in Alexandria, Louisiana. Iriel is also a Certifier and Regional Organizer with the Real Organic Project.

Prior to starting her own farm, Iriel managed Jubilee Justice’s 5acre organic farm in Alexandria and worked with Black farming communities in the Southeast.

Iriel and Audrey discuss the challenges and potential of farming smallscale grains, particularly Louisiana rice. They delve into the necessary components for smallscale success, including community involvement and cooperative models, inspiring us to embrace innovation and collaboration toward a brighter future.

This podcast was also produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development.