Our Agroforestry Project
Tuskegee Honey has been awarded an agroforestry grant in 2026!
Tuskegee Honey has been awarded an agroforestry grant to establish a half-acre perennial shrub planting on our farm in Tuskegee, Alabama.
We are so lucky and excited to be a part of this project!
The project will focus on growing two upright, thornless blackberry cultivars, Navaho and Ouachita, along with elderberries. These perennial fruit crops will be integrated into our existing farm landscape, which supports honey bees, native pollinators, and other beneficial wildlife.
Our goal is to demonstrate how small farms can incorporate productive perennial crops into low-input agricultural systems while creating additional opportunities for pollinator habitat and farm sustainability.
What We Are Planting in December 2026
Blackberries — Navaho and Ouachita
Two upright, thornless blackberry cultivars selected for their fruit production and suitability for a low-maintenance growing system.
Elderberries
Perennial fruit-bearing shrubs that offer opportunities for specialty crop production while providing flowers and other resources for wildlife.
Pollinator-Supporting Plants
The planting design includes wide alleys between shrub rows to accommodate future perennial flowering plants that support pollinators.
Project Site and Design
The project will occupy approximately one-half acre of existing open ground at Tuskegee Honey. The site will be organized into shrub rows with access paths and wide alleys. The design emphasizes manageable maintenance, minimal infrastructure, and compatibility with our existing pollinator habitat. As the planting develops, we will document establishment, plant survival, growth, maintenance needs, and seasonal performance.
Project Progress & Updates
This section will serve as an ongoing record of our agroforestry project.
October 2026 — Grant Awarded
We are pleased to announce that Tuskegee Honey has received funding to establish our half-acre agroforestry demonstration project. Initial activities will include site planning, preparing the planting area, and organizing the installation of blackberry and elderberry shrubs.
Future updates will include site preparation, planting photographs, seasonal observations, and harvest results.
Follow Our Progress
We will continue sharing photographs, field observations, and lessons learned as the project develops.
Our hope is that this demonstration will provide useful information for other small farmers interested in perennial fruit production, pollinator-friendly agriculture, and practical, low-input growing methods.