Tonya Smith

Generational Farmer, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer (CVO)

ABOUT KADA "Agri-Conservation for All"

Kentucky Agriculture Development Advocacy (KADA), Inc is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social welfare, conservation education, and technical support for underserved farmers, land tenants, and landowners in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and surrounding states. Founded by Tonya Smith, a third-generation BIPOC farmer, KADA is committed to expanding advocacy, representation within the agricultural sector, and access to resources.

What We Do

KADA provides personalized support, including one-on-one assistance, mentoring webinars, outreach initiatives, and field day demonstrations, all focused on educating everyone about the long-term benefits of environmental conservation and agriculture resources. We aim to foster a more equitable and sustainable agricultural future by facilitating strong partnerships between producers, agriculture agencies, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature.

Get Involved

Our goal extends beyond the farming community to include those who are passionate about biodiversity and environmental stewardship. KADA is dedicated to empowering everyone with crucial information and services to implement sustainable practices for soil health and water quality, safeguard their livelihoods, and protect our natural ecosystems. We invite everyone—from outdoor enthusiasts to homesteaders—to join us in creating a better ecosystem for all

About Tonya

Tonya Smith: Cultivating Equity, Conservation, and Regeneration in AgricultureTonya Smith’s journey in conservation agriculture is deeply rooted in Kentucky’s rich farming tradition, where she grew up immersed in the hard work of dairy farming, tobacco, and diversified crop production. This upbringing instilled in her both resilience and a strong sense of community—values that continue to shape her leadership in agriculture today. Tonya has contracted with Accelerating Appalachia, serves on the board of the Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK), and has worked to establish an agricultural presence at the Bowling Green Refuge. She also became the first Black woman in Kentucky to establish a grape vineyard, aptly named Gateway Vineyard—symbolizing a gateway to new opportunities in a field that has historically lacked diversity. Her innovative approach to farming diversified her family’s operations and added a meaningful, enduring dimension to their agricultural legacy. Recognizing the need for greater equity and access to resources for underserved farmers, Tonya founded Kentucky Ag Development Advocacy (KADA), Inc. Through KADA, she has become a powerful advocate for BIPOC and socially disadvantaged farmers—ensuring they have the resources, support, and tools necessary to thrive in conservation and regenerative agriculture. Tonya’s influence extends beyond her local community and across state lines. She has hosted a State Agricultural and Food Town Hall, spearheaded the Biochar Project through a Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) to improve soil health and sustainability, and directed over $2 million toward conservation projects, education, and support within the agricultural conservation landscape. Her dedication has also led her to collaborate with state representatives and develop educational curricula addressing the social dynamics of agriculture. In partnership with Tiffany Bellfield, Tonya played an instrumental role in founding the Kentucky Black Farmers Association and hosted the first BIPOC NRCS Field Day in Kentucky. Her legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to equity—reflected not only in the fields she has cultivated but in the countless lives she has transformed through advocacy, education, and leadership.

KADA’s Area of Focus:

Agricultural Conservation & Regenerative Initiatives

Resource Education

Contractual/Freelance Services

One-on-One Farmer Consultations

Agricultural Background: Dairy Production • Tobacco • Conservation • Viticulture (Grape Production) • Corn • Hay & Forage

OUR INITIATIVES

OUR Approach

KADA Initiatives:

Conservation Projects: KADA leads various conservation projects aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These projects focus on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity, helping farmers implement practices that protect and enhance natural resources.

Education and Training: KADA offers extensive educational programs, including webinars, workshops, and field day demonstrations. These initiatives are designed to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills they need to adopt long-term sustainable farming practices.

Advocacy and Representation: KADA is deeply committed to advocating for the rights and needs of underserved farmers. This includes working to ensure equitable access to resources and representation in agricultural policies and programs.

Partnership Building: KADA facilitates partnerships between farmers and agricultural agencies, helping to create a network of support that empowers farmers to thrive. These partnerships are crucial for accessing funding, technical assistance, and other resources.

Resource Access and Support: KADA provides personalized support to farmers, offering one-on-one assistance to help them navigate complex agricultural systems and access the resources they need to succeed.

Meet the Team

Hands-on experience in agriculture and conservation

Operations Director

Amy Arnett

Amy is the backbone of KADA. She oversees logistics that ensure organizational structure, manages implementing KADA’s strategies, coordinates internal processes, and ensures projects are executed efficiently. Amy’s role involves marketing, streamlining workflows, and handling the operational needs to support KADA’s mission. Her leadership ensures that initiatives and outreach efforts are effective.

Agriculture Development Specialist

LeTicia Marshall

Provides comprehensive support for agricultural operations, including technical assistance in crop production, poultry, livestock, and soil health. Assists farmers in grant writing, identifying opportunities, and preparing proposals and budgets. Supports business development, offering resources for planning, financial management, and marketing to enhance farm profitability and sustainability.

Equity Education Outreach

Mike Jackson’s innovative approach to sustainable agriculture.

Each year, we sponsor a farmer who is advancing their agricultural product to exhibit at Kentucky's Fruit & Vegetable Conference. This year, our featured sponsor is Mike Jackson, founder of Kentucky Greens Company, a hydroponics farm based in Louisville, KY. Mike’s innovative approach to sustainable agriculture highlights the potential of hydroponics in urban farming, and we are proud to support his mission in showcasing his work at the conference.

Many underserved farmers have historically been excluded from discussions on conservation practices that could improve their soil health and land structure, leading to declining yields.

KADA hosted a USDA Natural Resource Conservation Field Day at Knob Hill Farm, focusing on improving historically underserved land and providing farmers with valuable insights on accessing USDA resources. Attendees learned about conservation practices, funding opportunities, and strategies to enhance land sustainability.

KADA Approach:

Farmer-Focused Approach: KADA is dedicated to ensuring that all farmers have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Through its initiatives, KADA works to strengthen agricultural communities, promote sustainability, and provide practical solutions that benefit farmers of all backgrounds.

Community-Centric: KADA values the power of community and works to build strong, supportive networks among farmers, landowners, and agricultural agencies. By fostering a sense of community, KADA ensures that farmers have the support they need to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Sustainability-Driven: KADA prioritizes long-term agricultural sustainability, emphasizing practices that protect the environment and ensure the continued viability of farming for future generations. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in all of KADA’s conservation projects and educational efforts.

Holistic Support: KADA’s approach is comprehensive, providing farmers with not just resources but also education, advocacy, and partnership opportunities. By addressing the full spectrum of farmers’ needs, KADA helps them build resilient and successful operations.

Innovation and Adaptation: KADA encourages innovation in agriculture, supporting farmers as they explore new methods and technologies. This forward-thinking approach helps farmers adapt to changing conditions and stay competitive in the agricultural sector.