1. Team Carl Keen DECA State Conference Competition

2. “The Purple Silk Worm Epic Seed” The Purple Silk Worm Epic Seed is a new, evolutionary scientific discovery that was designed to help restore the nutrients & fertility in the earth’s soil. The Purple Silk Worm Epic Seed rids the earth of pollution caused by excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides.

3. Many farmers abuse and destroy the top layers of fertile ground by burning the deadly chemicals applied to crops annually. With the Purple Silk Worm Epic Seed, this scientific advancement of soil revitalization maximizes the fertility of the soil to grow crops organically and replenishes healthy harvests without harmful effects. Advantages of the Purple Silk Worm

4. How the Purple Silk Worm Epic Seed Works Thousands of Purple Silk Worm Epic Seeds are planted in the grounds where crops will be planted. The seeds are watered through irrigation. The ingredients that make up the Epic Seed are cultivated from animal manure, ginseng, flaxseed oil, and organic grain mixtures.

5. No Need for Fertilizers to Grow Plants & Crops The Purple Silk Worm Epic Seed works in the same manner that the Nitrogen Cycle works. Animal waste releases nitrogen in the ground. The nitrogen is restored in the soil, becomes rich in nutrients, and gives plant matter the necessary futility to grow. Healthy plants grow as an offspring of the nitrogen, and returns to the humans and animals for feeding.

6. “New Innovative Plan” Advantages Purple Silk Worm Epic Seed These seeds will help struggling farmers in the Mississippi Delta restore hefty harvests for exportation throughout the U.S. and abroad. Locally produced foods are cherished as strong connection points to tradition.

7. Mississippi Lacking in Healthy Relations At the consumer level, basic recognition of common foods is lacking; many youth are growing up with cooking skills. More than half of the population is overweight. 12.4% of the population has diabetes-the largest rate in the U.S. Mississippi ranks first in diabetes. 2 of every 3 state residents are either overweight (34%) or obese (34%). Medical costs for treating these total $2.7 billion per year.

8. “We are losing $$$” With farmers focused on producing raw commodities for further processing, and often for export, Mississippi residents have become increasing distant from their food supply. An estimated 90% of the food consumed in the state is sourced outside of Mississippi. Farm input purchases and imported food create a net flow of $8.5 billion per year away from the state economy.

9. Land Use Not Being Capitalized Food culture does not always promote health. Foods that are treasured by Mississippians are not as healthy as would be recommended. Farmers in Mississippi purchase $2.3 billion of essential farm inputs from outside the state. Only 76% o the state’s cropland (4,223,708 out of 5,530,825 acres, was harvested in 2007). 1,307,117 acres of cropland went unharvested in that year.

10. Land Availability & Resources in the MS Delta Farmer’s markets are opening all over the state. Dozens of young people are getting involved in farming. Many don’t have a strong background in agriculture, but is still able to get involved.

11. Farmers’ Markets in Mississippi Land is relatively low cost at this time. Farmers report that land rental rates are quite low in many parts of Mississippi. This promotes the possibility of experimentation w/ new production techniques, and allows emerging farmers more latitude in developing markets for their produce. Farmers are being invited by landowners to restore the fertility of the land. Mississippi has a long growing season.