from the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development |
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The oppressive and painful histories of slavery, sharecropping, and discriminatory lending practices have contributed to a modern American agricultural landscape where Black farmers are underrepresented. Additionally, the American farmer population overall is aging, and two-thirds of U.S. farmland is set to transition ownership in the next 20 years. Despite these worrisome trends, a small population of motivated and passionate young Black farmers is emerging. In this From the Vault JAFSCD article, "'Being Stewards of Land is Our Legacy': Exploring the Lived Experiences of Young Black Farmers
," author Leslie Touzeau presents findings from a qualitative case study that explored the motivations and attitudes of young Black farmers like herself. By examining the lived experiences of young Black farmers and sharing their stories, Touzeau gives voice to a previously unstudied population and contributes to the ongoing work of food justice scholars attempting to shift the Black farmer narrative from one of oppression to one of liberation. KEY FINDINGS Through this research, four primary themes emerged that provide insight into the lives of young Black farmers. -
“Concurrence of autonomy and community support”: Participants desired, somewhat paradoxically, both autonomy and community support.
- “From struggle to empowerment”: Participants felt empowered through farming, while recognizing the differences between their experiences and those of their ancestors.
- “Innovative, diversified production”: Participants engaged in diversified production methods.
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“The face of young black farmers”: Participants faced minimal overt racial discrimination, but felt that a lack of representation compounded the challenges of being a young farmer in the modern agricultural age.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH
As the first study of its kind, this article proposes themes that may serve as a framework for understanding the lives of young Black farmers and serve as a basis for future research into this understudied population. The shadows of slavery and discrimination hang over American agriculture, yet the experiences of these participants demonstrate that young Black farmers have reason to feel hopeful. Agricultural educators, extension professionals, and policymakers must consider the emancipatory elements of agriculture when working with young African Americans. Those concerned with the environmental sustainability of the food system should look to young Black farmers’ innovative, diversified approaches. Future research should examine more geographically diverse populations, investigate challenges and barriers more deeply, and propose additional mechanisms for farmer support and farm viability.
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“I can’t name one thing I DON’T love about being a farmer. I love it all.” In this From the Vault JAFSCD article, learn how America’s young Black farmers are challenging the narratives of oppression and finding liberation, self-sufficiency, and empowerment through agriculture. Read the JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2019.084.007
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Image above:
University of Maryland Extension Urban Farmer Field School held an educational event at Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm (PPHUF) in Baltimore, Md., in 2021. PPHUF was created by Farmer Chippy (pictured between mullein plants) and a group of Caribbean/American citizens who wanted to make change and have a positive impact on the lives of young adults in the Park Heights neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland. They also focused on food production and distribution to create the first “agrihood” in the city. Image from USDA via Flickr.
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NEWS FROM OUR SISTER PROGRAM |
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| In this popular and free webinar series from our sister program NAFSN, panelists share connections and insights to help attendees identify possibilities for their careers. The spring 2024 series highlights job creators across the food systems profession. There is still time to join us for the next Finding Your Future in Food Systems webinar with Roberta Cosentino, The Best Route; Justin Barclay, Rodale Institute; and Zachary Korosh, Ohio State U. Wed., February 21, 6:00-7:00 pm ET REGISTER for this free event! |
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The Community & Agriculture Resilience Audit Tool — CARAT — helps community stakeholders assess how they currently use the assets of their local food system to achieve a substantial level of community resilience. CARAT measures the resources in a food system via 101 indicators to determine possible next steps to increase community resiliency and food sovereignty. CARAT is accepting applications for communities interested in piloting the program.
Access the CARAT Pilot application, due 2/29/24. |
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