Nine Solutions for Racial Inequity in New York State Agriculture
Written by twenty of our original members, these solutions are informed by the collective wisdom acquired through Black-centered initiatives and community knowledge of the missteps well-intentioned, white-led organizations make in their attempts to serve Black farmers. Our solutions are an ever-evolving proposal of necessary steps to make a more just agricultural system.
Create Ownership Opportunities
Black farmers should be able to own businesses. We envision clear pathways for Black guest workers, migrant workers, and undocumented farmworkers to become business owners.
Fund Black Farm & Food Startups
Black farmers need access to financial capital. We believe an investment of ten million dollars to Black Farmer Fund (BFF) would be one of several powerful ways to empower Black people leading farms and food businesses in New York State. BFF is the first Black farmer-led 501(c) 3 community investment fund with a mission to create a thriving, resilient, and equitable food system by investing in Black food systems entrepreneurs and communities in New York State.
Supply Affordable Land
Land is essential in our racial equity work. We want 1,490 acres of land for BIPOC farmers distributed through Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, a land trust providing land access to Black, Indigenous, and other POC farmers and Earth-keepers.
Provide Exceptional Education
Education is key to farming. Black people need access to a certificate program for new and aspiring Black farmers that is led and taught by experienced Black farmers and offers state-funded salaries and scholarships.
Support Urban Farms
Many of New York State’s Black growers live and operate in urban centers. We want funds for black-led urban farms; easier pathways and priorities for urban farmers to access empty lots; permanent protection for urban farms with conservation easements; and support for Black farmers building urban-to-rural pipelines for other Black growers.
Commit to Inclusion
Black voices cannot be left out of New York State programs. We want better ways to ensure the inclusion of Black people as Farmland for a New Generation New York navigators.
Award Scholarships
Higher education is expensive and thus, inaccessible to many Black people. We want full scholarships for all Black students pursuing SUNY agricultural degrees.
Capture Meaningful Data
Every Black farmer’s voice needs to be heard. We support the improvement of data collection on Black farmers’ locations and needs. This will enable us to better advocate for Black farmers statewide.
Further Develop A Plan of Action
To make our solutions a reality and thus increase the number of thriving Black farmers, we need to think strategically. We aim to continuously develop and expand our solutions into actionable plans and compelling NYS legislation.