Hey There!

DR. ADRIANE MINGO

Dr. Adriane Watkins Mingo is currently a Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator for the Union County Public School System. A graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, she has been working in Human Resources over three years. Dr. Mingo is an experienced educator and has served in numerous local and statewide positions which include being a classroom teacher, school-wide reading teacher, reading specialist for an urban school system and at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction where she supported 27 schools systems – public, private and charter. Prior to her most recent role, Dr. Mingo was the Director of Professional Development in a rural school system in NC. Raised with a large family vegetable garden, Adriane’s family also had a small garden and she loved helping the family grow and harvest the crop. Dr. Mingo’s summer schedule is somewhat flexible. She d helps the family maintain the garden during the busy summer growth season.

LEROY WATKINS

DR. ADRIANE MINGO

Leroy Watkins, worked as a Service Manager for numerous years at H. B. Owsley & Sons. Additionally, he was employed as a service manager at Sunbelt Rental prior to retirement. Although Mr. Watkins spent several years of his career in Corporate America, his love and gift of gardening has been a cornerstone. He was raised on a farm as a youngster and has continued to grow both vegetables and fruit his entire life. As a master farmer. Mr. Watkins has always been concerned about the environment, our food source, and the state of the economy. Additionally, food accessibility, especially in our local food desserts has been a major concern for Mr. Watkins. What began as a way to save some money and share with others, today has grown from its small ¼ acre plot to over 4 acres with plans to expand to 6+ acres. A savvy businessman and well known in the community, Leroy (and Mrs. Mingo) initially approached colleagues and friends to garner interest. These connections marked the beginning of business for the startup farm and as word of mouth spread, Watkins Grove Farm attracted additional interest. All surplus from CSAs will be sold at the local churches and/or farmer’s market.

Collectively, both Dr. Mingo and Mr. Watkins believe they can provide affordable, safe, sustainably sourced food with their vibrant network of CSA memberships and at local farmer’s markets. We also believe you can become healthier by eating the best tasting and the best quality products grown locally at Watkins Grove Farm.