Maurice Small
About Me website copy
Maurice is more than a client, or even a progressive organic farmer whose focus is first and foremost on the land, but he’s a mentor and a friend. I’ve learned endless information and gained so much knowledge from him regarding farming, and gardening in my own backyard.
So it was a privilege and honor to be entrusted with writing his About Me page.
Farming for the future and transforming the food landscape in North America and beyond.
Green thumb, brown thumb, or no thumbs whatsoever, if you’ve found yourself stressing out at your local garden center, unsure how to make your garden grow, then you’ve come to the right place. It turns out you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment, expensive gadgets, or even years of experience. All you need is a new perspective, the right attitude, and an open mind to slow down and be patient alongside Mama Earth.
I’m Maurice Small, an urban farmer based in Atlanta, Georgia, and the founder of Small Farmz LLC, a visionary business focused on building local food systems through innovative learning. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my life to nourishing the soil, tending to the worms, building community, teaching others how to sustain their own gardens/farms, and most importantly, growing awareness on rebuilding our local food systems. I understand and share the technical aspects of farming, permaculture principles, farming to scale, farm to market/table strategies, and also the tools, the seasonal nuances, and structure building strategies (i.e. water catchment, greenhouse, worm bins, and composting systems) centered around local food and community care.
“Maurice Small is like Mary Poppins. He goes where he is needed, but only comes back when it is necessary. He takes care of those that he cares about, and is very patient. He's very much a farm dad, and makes sure that not only are his plants taken care of, but his crew as well. […]” — Stephanie B.
Forget about the early bird; have you thought about life from the worm’s perspective? Have you taken a moment to consider the basic fundamentals of how everything is interconnected, and how growing food isn’t just about how you nurture your garden, but how your garden nurtures you as well? Take your hand and place your palm against the soil. Can you feel the simple, yet active world that operates underneath our feet without us evening realizing it’s there?
“Personally, I learned so much about farming, plant biology, compost, and business strategies, to name just a few. With this newfound knowledge I felt more comfortable sharing with community members and guests of the farm. […] I see now with a different lens, in regards to life, farming, and business. I ask myself and others more questions. I try to observe and understand how all the players in an ecosystem affect each other. […]” — Braxton A.
I work with groups big, small, and everyone in between. Whether you’re an individual who wants to learn how to grow herbs in your kitchen window, or an organization that wants to add food systems creation to your planned commitment to the greater good, my teachings are the same: soil is life. I have launched hundreds of farms and gardens in my career. Everyone I work with, train, or advise leaves inspired and equipped to step into a new level of connection with the Earth, plants, and food (systems).
I look forward to working with you. For more information about my specific programs (i.e. one-on-one training, speaking events, etc.), make sure you check out my [services] page. Let’s grow together.
