The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while conserving natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation.
The Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest is aimed at promoting the integration of gardening and agriculture into school curriculums. It encourages schools to establish and maintain gardens that serve as dynamic environments for education, community engagement, and fresh food production. The contest rewards schools that excel in various aspects, including sustainability, educational impact, community collaboration, and innovative starting plans for new gardens. Specific categories such as Champion of School Garden Sustainability, Best Overall School Garden, Best Education Based School Garden, Best Harvest Partnership School Garden, Best Community Collaboration School Garden, and Best Start-up School Garden Proposal underline the program's commitment to fostering environments where students can learn about nutrition, gardening, cooking, and agriculture directly through hands-on experience and community involvement.