Deep Roots CPS Farm is bringing locally grown produce to communities while inspiring others through education and representation.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In certain parts of Charlotte, where access to fresh, locally grown food isn’t always readily available, one family has established a black-owned urban agriculture company that’s changing the landscape.
Deep Roots CPS Farm, founded by the Jzar family, is bringing locally grown produce to communities while inspiring others through education and representation.
Cherie Jzar, President and Co-Founder of Deep Roots CPS Farm, began the venture at home. “We started growing at our home, got good at it, and started to cultivate more and more where we had access,” Jzar said.
The family’s agricultural passion soon expanded to 7 acres of farmland in north Charlotte. Their motivation stemmed partly from noticing a gap in representation within the farming community.
“We started to provide for our community, and we got on a journey,” Jzar said, adding that they discovered “farmers didn’t really look like us, didn’t have a close connection to our community.”
The farm offers a diverse range of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and livestock. Everything is grown, raised, and harvested on-site before being transported to local markets. However, the Jzar family’s mission extends beyond just selling produce.
“We do a lot of education and see more people in this space in our local community and do farm workshops,” Jzar said, highlighting their commitment to knowledge-sharing and community empowerment.
The operation has become a true family business, with all three of the Jzar children working either on the farm or in nature-related fields. This family involvement underscores their commitment to creating a lasting impact.
“See us as a family and a black family and our children are in this space,” Jzar said, emphasizing the importance of visibility. She added that they aim to “leave a legacy of and importance of being in service to our community with whatever skills and talents you have.”
As a non-profit organization, Deep Roots CPS Farm welcomes community support through donations for their youth summer camps and volunteers for educational programs.
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