In the United States, the rich history of agriculture includes the contributions of Black farmers who have played a vital role in shaping the nation's agricultural landscape. However, over the years, the number of Black-owned farms has significantly declined. In this blog post, we explore the current state of Black-owned farms in the US, shedding light on their importance, challenges, and the ongoing efforts to address racial disparities in farming.
Historical Perspective: At the peak of Black farm ownership in 1920, there were approximately 949,889 Black farmers in the United States (The Guardian). These farmers owned more than 16 million acres of land and represented about 14% of all farmers in the country (PBS NewsHour). They made tremendous contributions to the agricultural sector, despite facing systemic obstacles and discrimination.
Current Landscape: Today, however, the number of Black-owned farms has significantly decreased. According to the most recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), only 1% of farmers in the US identify as Black (Feeding America). Estimates suggest that fewer than 35,000 Black farmers remain (The New York Times). This represents less than 1% of the total farming population in the country (USA Today).Addressing Disparities: The decline in Black-owned farms can be attributed to factors such as historical discrimination, lack of access to resources, and socio-economic challenges (McKinsey). Racial disparities in farming continue to persist, impacting land ownership, market access, and financial support for Black farmers (Reuters).
To address these disparities, various initiatives and organizations have emerged to support and empower Black farmers. Efforts include advocating for policy changes, providing technical assistance, offering financial resources, and promoting equitable opportunities within the agricultural industry (Shoppe Black).Conclusion: While the number of Black-owned farms has significantly declined over the years, the contributions and resilience of Black farmers cannot be understated. Their historical significance and ongoing efforts to overcome challenges and address disparities highlight the importance of supporting and promoting diversity within the agricultural community.Arkansas River Rice acknowledges and celebrates the rich history of Black farmers in the United States. As a part of the agricultural landscape, we recognize the need for increased representation, equality, and support for Black farmers. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable farming industry that honors the contributions of all farmers, regardless of their ethnicity or background.
References:America's Black Farmers - Feeding America - https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-blog/americas-black-farmersHighlights: Black Farmers - USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service - https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights/2014/Highlights_Black_Farmers.pdfBlack Farmers in the US: The Opportunity for Addressing Racial Disparities in Farming - McKinsey & Company - https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/agriculture/our-insights/black-farmers-in-the-us-the-opportunity-for-addressing-racial-disparities-in-farmingGaining Ground: Highlights Black Farmers' Efforts to Reclaim Lost Land - PBS NewsHour - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/gaining-ground-highlights-black-farmers-efforts-to-reclaim-lost-landWhy Have America's Black Farmers Disappeared? - The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/apr/29/why-have-americas-black-farmers-disappearedThe Ultimate List of Black-Owned Farms & Food Gardens - Shoppe Black - https://shoppeblack.us/black-owned-farms-food-gardens/Two Biden Priorities, Climate and Inequality, Meet on Black Farmers - The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/31/climate/black-farmers-discrimination-agriculture.htmlU.S. Black Farmers Lost $326 Billion Worth of Land in 20th Century - Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-black-farmers-lost-326-bln-worth-land-20th-century-study-2022-05-02/Double Burden on Black Farmers in America - New Jersey State Bar Foundation - https://njsbf.org/2022/05/13/double-burden-on-black-farmers-in-america/