Revitalizing Rural Communities
Mileston Farmers Cooperative Association
Creating economic and community development opportunities through large-scale vegetable
production and community inclusiveness.
We believe the health of our community is related to the health of our soil
One of the oldest black owned agricultural cooperatives in the country
✓ Creating Economic Opportunities
✓ Providing Job Training
✓ Supporting REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
Areas of Focus
01
Purpose
The Mileston Cooperative Association offers agricultural job training and employment opportunities,
02
Youth Training
Youth at Mileston are trained in food safety and food defense, and operate out of a packing shed,
03
Farmland
Mileston is working with 2700 acres of farmland, providing additional employment opportunities for field workers.
04
Hydroponic System
A 7500 sq. foot hydroponic system has been established within the elementary school, providing year round produce
05
Store Development
A 2000 sq. foot store on coop owned land is being prepared for reopening, providing additional jobs
06
501C3
Mileston has established a 501C3 to invest in the economic future of residents through employment and opportunity
REGENERATIVE FARM TRAININGS
Mileston Cooperative Association Farmers and Consultants participated in 10 field training courses in 2024. The training was held in MULTPLE MS Delta Counties. Over 125 farmers women and youth attended these sessions. As a result, 30 farmers begin to use regenerative practices.
Mileston Farmers and Regenerative Consultants presented or introduced to attendees the following TOPICS:
- Agricultural Conservation Programs- NRCS
- Introduction to Regenerative AG principles and practices
- Organic inputs and transition to Organic
- Biodynamics & Hydroponics
- Introduction to and Proper Usages of Drones
- New market opportunities and Crop Planning
- Regenerative Organic Farm Management Plan
- Soil Health and proper Soil Preparation
- Regenerative and Organic – Insecticides, Herbicides and Fertilizers
- Irrigation – methods and techniques
- Designing and Building the Ecosystems of a farm
- Vermiculture
- Soil and water amendments
- Food Safety and Food Defense Certification
- On- Farm Demonstration on Regenerative practices
- Vanguard Climate Smart initiative
- Youth Involvement and youth Labor
- Low Tillage and Cultivation
- Covercropping and seasonal rotation of crops
Current Consultants and Key Staff
Calvin Head, Benjamin Fahrer, Bill Evans, Jamero Harris , Travon Nichalson, Asa Davis, Rayshanna Byrd, Etta Mcphaul, Angela Davis, Francine Evans, David Howard, Mark Evans, Kimberly Anderson, Melvin Russell, Theo Hudson, Edmond Clark, Joseph Anderson, David Howard
ROP
Regenerative Organic Practices
SH
Soil Health for the Health of our Community
SEG
Sustainable Economic Growth
OSP
Organic System Plan
For The Future
❞
Likely the oldest black owned agricultural cooperative in the country, the 13 member Mileston Cooperative Association is a model for what it means to revitalize and sustain a
struggling rural community through locally driven solutions.
❞
Our mission, “creating economic and community development opportunities through large-scale vegetable
❞
With a wait list of over 100, Mileston currently employs between 16 and 25 young people per week in our local food system
Revitalize rural
Support our Farmers cooperative and make a difference
FAQ: What is Mileston Farmers Cooperative
Mileston Cooperative Association is likely the oldest black-owned agricultural cooperative in the country. It is a model for revitalizing and sustaining traditionally underserved communities
FAQ: What is the mission of MFC
The mission of Mileston Cooperative Association is to create economic and community development opportunities through large-scale organic vegetable production
FAQ: How does Mileston Cooperative Association function
Mileston Cooperative Association provides employment opportunities through agricultural job training and employment in agricultural production and distribution.
FAQ: What are the future plans of
Mileston Cooperative Association plans to fully functionalize their hydroponics operation by Fall of 2025 and also upgrade our faciulties and boost our production for our community
FAQ: How can I contact Mileston Cooperative Association?
You can contact Mileston Cooperative Association by reaching out through the provided contact information on their website.
FAQ: How can I get involved with
To get involved with Mileston Cooperative Association, you can inquire about job training, donate or follow our work and spread the good word of Regenerative Agriculture practices that are helping revitalize our soils
Contact us for more information
If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please send a email or join our mailing list
Mileston Cooperative Association
9381 Hwy 49
Tchula Ms 39169
662 582 7390