Darlene Adams Rowland has spent the past sixteen years championing local food systems by fostering connections between farmers and consumers to support a thriving and sustainable agricultural community. As Executive Director of the Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance (BREADA), she oversees a wide range of initiatives, including farmers markets, farm-to-school programs, nutrition incentives, food policy advocacy, educational outreach, and technical assistance and disaster relief for farmers. BREADA’s network of markets includes a brick and mortar public market in downtown Baton Rouge as well as four weekly locations of the Red Stick Farmers Market.
In 2021, Darlene co-founded the Louisiana Small Scale Agriculture Coalition (LSSAC), a collaboration with six nonprofit partners aimed at empowering small farmers through technical assistance, grant opportunities, and an annual climate-focused convening. She also co-leads the Louisiana Market Managers Network, offering training and support to farmers market managers statewide.
Darlene is a graduate of Class XVII of the LSU Ag Leadership Program and the recipient of the John Barton Rising Star Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management. During her leadership at BREADA, the organization has been recognized as a LWCC Champion of Louisiana. She is also a contributor to Country Roads Magazine, curating compelling stories that highlight local foodways and travel.