Food is fundamental for survival. Can the African American community be empowered in a nation where none of the farmland is owned or controlled by Blacks?

In the annals of American history, the story of Black farmers stands as a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and perseverance against tremendous odds. However, over the past century, this once vibrant community has faced a stark decline, with the number of Black farmers plummeting from nearly a million in the 1920s to a mere 45,508 a century later.¹ Reportedly, 80% of land owned by Black people has been lost since 1910 due to lack of access to legal resources to assure the transference of clear title ownership from one generation to the next.

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates there are roughly 40,000 Black farmers in America, owning less than one percent of our nation’s farmland according to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.²

That same article concludes that between 1920 and 1997, Black farmers gave up farmland, along with the accompanying income from that land, that would be worth approximately $326 billion today! For some people of African descent there may be a subconscious link between family farmlands and the cruelty of enslavement, as its primary purpose was planting, cultivating, and harvesting cash crops. Especially throughout the south, “the land is where heinous, generational trauma occurred”, said Pastor Eric Lane Glover, the grandson of a deceased South Georgia farmer. Overwhelmed, these heirs may be far more likely to devalue and disassociate from their inheritance, allowing the land to turn to squalor or selling it for a fraction of its worth. This alarming trend not only represents a loss of livelihoods, but it also erodes a vital piece of cultural heritage and agricultural diversity in the United States.

The roots of the decline in Black farmers are complex and deeply entrenched in historical and systemic injustices. Discriminatory practices such as racial violence, land theft, and unequal access to resources have long hindered the ability of black farmers to thrive. Despite significant strides in civil rights and agricultural policies over the years, the legacy of these injustices continues to cast a shadow over black farming communities.

Black farmers were inexplicably left out of recent economic relief programs for farmers in the wake of COVID. In 2021, the U.S. Agriculture Secretary noted that just 0.1% of pandemic relief funding went to Black farmers who make up approximately 1.4% of the total farming population.³

Although technically there were more Black farmers than Hispanic farmers at the turn of the 21st century, Hispanics owned 40% more agricultural land than African Americans, according to a 2002 USDA report.⁴

As we confront the challenges facing Black farmers in America today, it is imperative to adopt proactive, community-based strategies aimed at reversing this troubling trend and ensuring the preservation of this rich agricultural tradition.

What role can the Black Achievers Network, HBCUs, UNCF, and Black Educators, Black Churches, Urban Financial Services Coalition, Black Journalists, Black Lawyers, Black Realtors, Divine 9, Prince Hall Masonry, 100 Black Men of America, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, The Links, Jack and Jill, and countless other Black professional and trade organizations play in stemming the tide of Black farmland attrition? Could retiring chapter members and past presidents of Black professional, trade, and non-profit organizations be encouraged to utilize their skills and career experience to assist in solving this worthy cause? How can these organizations partner with the National Black Farmers Association and others to create a more inclusive outcome?

Listed below are some key areas that address the loss of Black farms and foster a more equitable agricultural landscape:

1. Access to Land and Resources:

One of the most pressing issues facing Black farmers is the lack of access to land and essential resources such as credit, technical assistance, and markets. To address this disparity, there is a need to implement policies that promote land ownership and provide targeted support to Black farmers. This may include initiatives such as the development of a Real Estate Investment Trust for farmland, land trusts, loan programs, and expanded outreach efforts to connect farmers with available resources.

2. Financial Support and Investment:

Black farmers often face significant financial barriers that hinder their ability to sustain their operations and compete in the market. By providing financial support and investment opportunities tailored to the needs of Black farmers, we can help level the playing field and stimulate economic growth within these communities. This could involve grants, low-interest loans, and incentives for investment in Black-owned agricultural enterprises. The financial support could also come in the form of free or reduced cost for professional services from the Black Accountants, the Black MBAs, the Black Finance Professionals, the Black Realtors, the Black Insurance Professionals, the Black Engineers, and Black IT Professionals.

3. Technical Assistance and Training:

Access to technical assistance and training programs is essential for empowering Black farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in modern agriculture. By expanding outreach efforts and investing in educational programs focused on sustainable farming practices, business management, and marketing, we can help equip Black farmers with the tools they need to thrive in today’s agricultural landscape. There are at least 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities that provide top-rated agricultural degrees that could form the cornerstone of a concerted effort to increase the pipeline and improve the plight of Black farmers.

4. Market Access and Infrastructure:

Black farmers often face challenges in accessing markets and securing fair prices for their products. By investing in infrastructure such as processing facilities, and distribution channels, we can help facilitate market access and strengthen the economic viability of Black-owned farms. Additionally, efforts to promote local and regional food cooperatives can create opportunities for Black farmers to connect with consumers and build resilient agricultural economies. According to Summer Sewell’s 2019 article, nearly half of all Black-owned farms are cattle operations, but with so few Black farmers, the crowds at livestock markets are mostly White with unpredictable interests in supporting Black business.

This summer as we approach melon season, back-yard cookouts, and church picnics, one easy action that we can all take today is to share this blog post especially with Black-owned farms, cattle farmers, produce vendors, and Farmers Markets, encouraging them to take advantage of the free introductory Display Ad Listing on the link below. And where possible, ask friends, family, and like-minded organizations to be intentional about supporting them in their local economies.

5. Policy Reform and Advocacy:

Addressing the systemic barriers that have historically marginalized Black farmers requires comprehensive policy reform and sustained advocacy efforts. This includes addressing issues such as discriminatory lending practices, land tenure rights, and racial disparities in agricultural policies. By advocating for equitable policies and legislation that prioritize the needs of Black farmers, we can create a more inclusive and just agricultural system for all. Let’s get in the habit of asking politicians to support the Black farmers and supporting the ones at the local, state, and national level that do.

6. Community Engagement and Collaboration:

Building strong networks and fostering community engagement are essential for supporting Black farmers and preserving their legacy. By fostering collaboration among farmers, community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders, we can create a supportive ecosystem that promotes collective action, knowledge sharing, and mutual support. Can Black churches and public schools adopt a Black farm or develop a collaborative partnership? Maybe they could even create mutually beneficial fundraising opportunities to support school teams or church projects that could provide more opportunities for growers to sell their produce while also educating families about where their food comes from and helping to eliminate food deserts.

7. Cultural Preservation and Education:

Recognizing the cultural significance of Black farming traditions is essential for preserving this vital aspect of American history. By promoting education and awareness about the contributions of Black farmers and celebrating their heritage, we can honor their legacy and inspire future generations to carry on in their footsteps. With the help of the Black Architects and Engineers, and the Black Contractors, can the Black Meeting Planners help to put some of the Black farmlands with available event space on the map?

Conclusion:

The decline of Black farmers in America represents not only a loss of livelihoods but also a threat to the cultural heritage and agricultural diversity of our nation. By implementing proactive strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of this decline and fostering a more equitable and inclusive agricultural landscape, we can ensure the preservation of this vital legacy for generations to come. It is time to stand in solidarity with Black farmers and work together to build a brighter and more sustainable future for agriculture in America.

Sources:

1. 1. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/apr/29/why-have-americas-black farmers-disappeared. Sewell, Summer. “There Were Nearly a Million Black Farmers in 1920. Why Have They Disappeared?” The Guardian, 29 Apr.2019, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/apr/29/why-have-americas-black farmers-disappeared.
   2. https://www.naacpldf.org/case-issue/black-farmers-faq/Fernandez, Mariel. “Black Farmers FAQ: Addressing Systemic Discrimination in Farming.” Legal Defense Fund, Legal Defense Fund, 19 Oct. 2023, www.naacpldf.org/case-issue/black-farmers-faq/.
   3. https://heller.brandeis.edu/iere/pdfs/pigford-debt-brief.pdf. Stewart, Sylvia, et al. They Have to Do Something about That Debt… Pigford and the Broken Promise of Debt Relief for Black Farmers July 2023.
   4. Gilbert, Jess, et al. “Who Owns the Land? Agricultural Land Ownership by Race/Ethnicity.” ERS.USDA.gov, vol. 17, no. 4, 2002, pp. 55-62, www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/46984/19353_ra174h_1_.pdf. Accessed 24 May 2024

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