This Family’s Agricultural Legacy Is 5 Generations Strong

Agriculture is more than a profession or a pastime for the Greer-Jamerson family – it’s a passion that spans and connects several generations. As a result, these Indiana natives continue to build upon their legacy across the state, both by preserving existing operations and creating new ventures.

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Deeply Rooted in Indiana Agriculture

Fifth-generation farmer Denise Greer Jamerson was destined for a career in agriculture.

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Denise’s father, Norman Greer, operates Greer Farms in Lyles Station, an African American farming community located near Princeton in southwestern Indiana. Not only is Norman the last known African American farmer farming land that’s been in his family since before the Civil War, he’s also been recognized by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture.

“The land that Greer Farms is on has been in my family since 1855,” says Denise, who currently lives in Lyles Station with her husband, John Jamerson. “Farming is in our blood. My dad has been a commodity farmer since the 1960s, and my uncles grew and sold produce like watermelons and cantaloupe.”

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

In addition to taking succession-planning courses to ensure her father’s land remains in her family, Denise serves as co-founder of the Lyles Station Historic Preservation Corporation and is the operations director for Legacy Taste of the Garden – an agricultural business her son, DeAnthony Jamerson, established in 2017.

“Because of my father and uncles, our family already had a strong presence in the Indiana agriculture sector, and DeAnthony has tapped into that with Legacy Taste of the Garden,” Denise says. “Through this business, we’re combining agriculture and education to empower the next generation, and we’re continuing to work together as a family toward a common goal.”

See more: Meet an Indiana Wheat Farmer

Growing the Family Legacy

Headquartered in Princeton, Legacy Taste of the Garden aims to bridge the gap between local producers and local consumers by bringing healthy food to food deserts in the Indianapolis area. The company also shares basic agricultural knowledge with young people.

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

“I grew up helping out my grandfather and great-uncles on their farms, so I was always familiar with agriculture,” says DeAnthony, who is majoring in agribusiness at Tennessee State University in Nashville. “After my grandfather was recognized by the Smithsonian, I felt called to carry my family’s legacy forward and honor my ancestors, and that’s why I created Legacy Taste of the Garden.”

A multifaceted, multigenerational business, Legacy Taste of the Garden is co-managed by DeAnthony, Denise and John. In addition to growing fresh produce and distributing it at local and regional farmers markets, Legacy Taste of the Garden also offers a subscription-based Community Supported Agriculture program during warm-weather months.

“Getting fresh foods into communities that need them is one of our top priorities,” DeAnthony says. “Everyone should have access to healthy, nutritious foods.”

Paying it Forward

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Part of the Indiana Black Farmers Co-Op and the Black Independent Growers consortium, Legacy Taste of the Garden also partners with area organizations such as the Lyles Station 4-H and Junior Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences to ensure the next generation has exposure to agriculture.

“We think it’s critical to teach underserved young people to grow their own food, even if it’s as simple as a tomato plant in a bucket on their deck or patio, because that gives them a sense of empowerment and plants the seeds for a future in agriculture,” Denise says. “We’ll take them through the whole process, from seed to market, even going into the value-added side of agriculture because that’s often an overlooked aspect.”

The Legacy Taste of the Garden team spreads its pro-ag message through local events, too, previously participating in the Indiana Farm Bureau’s Taste From Indiana Farms at the Indiana State Fair.

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Going forward, DeAnthony envisions continued growth – including creating brick-and-mortar retail market stores in every underserved community across the state.

“I was fortunate to grow up around agriculture,” DeAnthony says. “I always had plenty to eat and a good understanding of where my food came from, but not everyone is so lucky. When I think of success, I see Legacy Taste of the Garden helping to reduce or eliminate food deserts throughout my home state, and I want the business to continue educating and empowering young people through agriculture.”

See more: Lawson Land & Cattle Co. is a Family Affair