Empower School

Buddy’s experience and qualifications in sustainable agriculture includes:

• Leading the operational development of the Empower at Valley Dream Farm in Knoxville, Tennessee. (begun in 2023)
• Ongoing instruction in thermal and vermiculture composting, plant disease management, weed management, abiotic disorders, and biological pest control. (2023-ongoing)
• Ted Talk presentation on Creating Healthy and Sustainable Communities. (2021)
• Certifications in advanced Agroecology and Farm Produce Safety Standards. (2021-2022)
• University-level instruction in tropical agriculture, organic farming, high tunnel tomato production, hydroponic vegetable production, aeroponic tower production, permaculture design, greenhouse management, and nutrient management .(2013-2023)
• Founding and directing the Empower School & Farm, a residential urban farm internship program located in Central Florida. (2011-2023)
• Building and managing an ornamental plant nursery. (1990-1996)
• Training in soil sciences. (1981-1982)
• Partnering with a University of Florida agronomist to provide consulting to citrus growers. (1981-1982)

Buddy’s experience in pastoral ministry includes:

• Planting four churches and training leaders to plant additional churches in the USA, Latin America, Caribbean Islands, Europe, and Africa. (1983-2020)
• Serving as the senior pastor of four churches. (1983-2023)

Buddy’s experience and training in international missions work includes:

• Organizing and leading international youth mission teams. (2002-2010)
• Biblical ministry training in Guatemala. (1977-1981)
• Participation in disaster relief after an earthquake in Guatemala. (1976-1977)
• Spanish language study in Mexico while working with young adults struggling with drug addictions. (1974-1975)