Black Farmer Fund

Are you a Black farmer in New York State ready to unlock new markets for your farm business? On November 13th, join us for a one-day skillshare on institutional and private market access for Black farmers in NYS at Vassar Barns in Poughkeepsie, NY. Presented by Community Food Advocates, topics include: 🟢 Types of public and private markets 🟢 Certifications and required licensing 🟢 Procurement tools and approaches used by public institutions 🟢 Procurement opportunities and relationship building This skillshare is made possible by a USDA SARE Northeast Grant focused on Building and Strengthening Social and Economic Sustainability Among NY State Black Farmers. This is a collaborative grant and associated skillshares are being led by Black Farmer Fund, Buffalo Go Green, Farm School NYC, Food for the Spirit, and NEFOC Land Trust. ⁠Don't miss out! Registration closes on October 25th or when filled. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eC4rthvK #BlackFarmers #FoodJustice #MarketAccess #Skillshare #NewYorkState

Want to know what it's like to be on the front lines of reparative investing? This Yale Center for Business and the Environment article gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Black Farmer Fund's practices. Meet four Yale students who worked alongside our Investment Director, Chaka Wade, to learn about reparative investing and support our due diligence process. Reparative investing isn't just about finances. It's about prioritizing the social and economic well-being of Black communities. At BFF, we evaluate potential investments based on their contributions to community, economy, and ecology within the context of Black health and wealth. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eqJqgc4a #reparativeinvesting #foodjustice #Blackfarmers #investment #agriculture #duediligence

On September 20, we had the pleasure of celebrating the third annual Abundance in Autumn festival with BFF partners, collaborators, funders, and family at Rise and Root Farm.⁠ ⁠ We gathered to celebrate the relationships, resources, and wisdom that sustains our work at the Black Farmer Fund. The day was filled with hands-on-land activities, interactive spaces, and delicious food.⁠ ⁠ Shout out to:⁠ ❇️ BFF Investment Committee member and chef, Mavis Jay Sanders and her team for a delicious lunch. Rise & Root Farm, Sweet Freedom Farm, and Black Yard Collective for providing the produce and meats that made the meal ❇️ Island Pops and Nourrir for the refreshing treats and drinks ❇️ True Foods Hudson Valley for a wonderful musical performance ❇️ Mae's Moss, Farm Fresh Caribbean Growers, and Rise and Root Farm for sharing their bountiful harvest at our mini market. ⁠ We are so grateful for the support of our community, and we look forward to continuing to work together to support Black Food System Actors in the Northeast. ⁠ ⁠ #BlackFarmerFund #CelebratingAbundanceinAutumn #Autumn #Fall #Community #Blackfarmers #Blackfoodbusinesses

At BFF, we stand on the shoulders of giants. Our ancestors paved the way for us, breaking down barriers and fighting for a better future. In their honor, we've launched our new merch collection, "Our Roots Run Deep." Featuring three iconic figures, Fannie Lou Hamer, Callie House, and George Washington Carver, this collection pays tribute to their contributions to food, land stewardship, and community power. Wear their legacy with pride as we continue to build a nourishing future for all Black communities. Shop the new collection here: https://lnkd.in/emjR3vsC #ancestors #rootsrundeep #newmerch #BFF #fannielouhamer #calliehouse #georgewashingtoncarver #blackhistory

Facing disaster? You're not alone. Black Farmer Fund's Rapid Response Fund provides critical financial assistance to Northeast Black farmers and food businesses in emergencies.⁠ ⁠ Our community-led committee prioritizes getting you back on track quickly. We offer direct funds to help you restore your operations after unexpected setbacks.⁠ ⁠ Who is eligible: Black agricultural and food businesses in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.⁠ Fall cycle applications are due October 31st. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/e23wV7HU ⁠ #BlackFarmers #DisasterRelief #CommunitySupport #EmergencyAid #NortheastFood

Black farmers are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Extreme weather, rising temperatures, and unpredictable growing seasons are threatening their livelihoods.⁠ ⁠ If you are a Black Farmer, join us for a FREE skillshare on Tuesday, October 1st from 5:00-6:30 PM ET to learn how to build resilient farming operation and thrive in a changing climate. Led by BFF, we'll explore the unique challenges and opportunities that Black farmers face in the climate crisis.⁠ ⁠ This interactive session features:⁠ 🌎 A presentation by Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm on regenerative agricultural practices that build climate resilience⁠ 🌎 Breakout group discussions to share climate change experiences & the impact it has on farming operations⁠ 🌎 Identify financial, technical, and educational resources to support Black farmers in a changing climate⁠ Register today and build a more resilient future: https://bit.ly/3zpUGRn #BlackFarmers #ClimateResilience #SustainableAgriculture #SoulFireFarm

As NYC Climate Week shines a spotlight on the urgency of climate action, a critical piece of the puzzle often gets overlooked: the impact on our food system. From extreme weather events to rising sea levels, climate change is wreaking havoc on farming communities worldwide, threatening the very source of our sustenance.⁠ Authoritative reports, including the 2018 Fourth National Climate Assessment, highlight the devastating impacts on land and agriculture. The Union of Concerned Scientists outlines four key ways climate change is affecting US agriculture in their explainer article, Climate and Agriculture. At BFF, we're committed to supporting Black farmers in the face of these challenges. By investing in BFF Fund 2.0, you're helping them build resilience and strengthen our food system. Learn more about BFF Fund 2.0 and how you can support our mission at https://lnkd.in/e9zAsHDj #ClimateChange #Agriculture #Farming #FoodSecurity #Sustainability #FoodSystem #BlackFarmers #ClimateCrisis #GlobalWarming #NYCClimateWeek

Happy Autumnal Equinox! 🍂 This season is a time of abundance, harvest, and change. For farmers, the autumnal equinox marks the culmination of months of hard work. Crops are ready to be picked, and preparations for winter begin. It's a time to store food and supplies for the colder months ahead. Just like a farmer, we can use this time to celebrate our achievements, reflect on what we've learned, and set goals for the future. Share your wins, lessons, and autumn aspirations in the comments below. 🍁 #autumnalequinox #fall #blackfarmers #blackfoodbusiness #harvest #abundance #seasonschange #reflection

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich contributions of Latinx individuals to our society. Throughout the month, we will explore the profound impact of Latinx farmworkers on the U.S. agriculture. We will shed light on the conditions they often face, and discuss ways we can support and advocate for the well-being of our Latinx and Afro-Latinx communities whose contributions are an essential part of our food system in the US. First up, we are diving into the impact that undocumented Latinx farmworkers have on the US agricultural industry and economy. Join us as we honor the legacy of Afro-Latinx ancestors and the land stewarding communities they built, and recognize the invaluable contributions of Latinx farmworkers to our nation. #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinxFarmworkers #Agriculture #SocialJustice

Our BFF team recently enjoyed a rejuvenating Q3 staff meetup. We began with a restorative yoga and reflection session led by Reiki Master and yoga teacher, Kim Copeland. Afterward, we indulged in a delicious West African feast at Cafe Rue Dix, filled with laughter and camaraderie. As a token of appreciation for her contributions, we presented a farewell gift to our Co-Ed, Melanie Allen, who will be leaving BFF at the end of the month. These in-person meetups embody our core value of ‘love,’ where we prioritize relationship building, food, and gratitude in interactions with others and have a culture of care and concern for one another. #staffmeetup #companyculture #teambuilding #remotework #inpersonmeeting