Pine Bluff, AR — A Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship Camp will be hosted by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s (UAPB) School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, in partnership with the National Black Growers Council (NBGC), on December 6-7.
“The camp will welcome 20 students from Friendship Aspire High School to UAPB’s campus and surrounding agricultural facilities,” Dr. Kimberly Haynie, associate professor of nutrition and food sciences at UAPB, said. “This two-day immersive experience is designed to introduce high school students to the world of agricultural entrepreneurship–from the farm to the fork.”
Throughout the event, participants will gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge agricultural technologies, food innovation and business principles that connect agriculture to nutrition and entrepreneurship, Dr. Haynie said. During the camp, students will:
- Tour state-of-the-art, AI-enabled agricultural equipment, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming modern farming and agribusiness.
- Engage in a hands-on agricultural economics activity, where they will analyze commodity prices and learn how market forces shape food systems.
- Visit Magnolia Food Hall in Pine Bluff, where they will participate in a live cooking demonstration facilitated by Dr. W. Jinnings Burruss Jr., assistant professor of food service at UAPB.
“The goal of this workshop is to expose students to the full agricultural value chain,” said Dr. Haynie. “We want them to see that agriculture is not just about farming–it’s also about innovation, business ownership, food sovereignty and creating sustainable solutions for communities.”
This collaborative initiative aligns with UAPB’s commitment to preparing the next generation of food and agricultural leaders, while supporting NBGC’s mission to empower Black growers and inspire youth engagement in agriculture, she said.
A closing ceremony for the camp will be held December 7 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Magnolia Food Hall, 601 S. Main St., Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
For more information about the Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship Camp or to learn how to partner on future youth development initiatives, contact Dr. Haynie at [email protected].
