Dr. Adriane Mingo

Dr. Adriane Watkins Mingo is the farmer and owner of Watkins Grove Farm. Raised with a large family vegetable garden, Adriane’s love for farming began as a youth. In 2018, to become healthier and live on purpose, Adriane made several lifestyle changes, which included making better food choices. This journey continues and has helped her better understand the financial challenges of making important health food choices. To maintain her commitment to healthy eating and making the same option available to others, Adriane decided to give birth to Watkins Grove Farm. At Watkins Grove Farm, “We believe everyone should have access to healthy food”.

Adriane is a 2021 graduate of North Carolina Farm School. North Carolina Farm School (NCFS) is a unique entrepreneurial program for aspiring, new or transitioning farmers with the mission of increasing the number of successful farmers in North Carolina. In addition to working with her father, a traditional master farmer, she uses strategies learned in Farm School to help maximize production of delicious and nutritious produce. 

By education and profession, Dr. Mingo is an experienced educator. She has served in numerous local and statewide roles including a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and leader with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction where she supported 27 school systems. Currently Dr. Mingo serves as a Human Resources leader for Union County school. Adriane is a graduate of Gardner Webb University, Winthrop University, and Appalachian State University where she earned her doctorate, master’s, and bachelor degrees..