February 5th 2025.
The Black Farmers Index was created with a noble purpose – to uplift the Black farming community and address issues of food insecurity and inequity in the agricultural sector. It was founded by a passionate woman named Kaia Shivers and has since become a beacon of hope for Black farmers across 11 regions in the United States. Through a wide range of strategic initiatives, The Index aims to increase visibility and provide support for these farmers.
One of the ways in which The Index supports Black farmers is by promoting them on social media and sharing their stories through short narratives. The Index also hosts educational workshops and food-centered events, both in-person and virtually, to help farmers improve their skills and connect with potential customers. In addition, they provide curated lists of Black farmers for individuals and institutions to easily find and support these growers.
Visitors to The Index's website can easily search for Black farmers in their region and state and browse through an alphabetical list of farmers and their products. The Index was initially launched in April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the resource shortages and food insecurity faced by many Black communities. Due to historical discrimination and being pushed out of agrarian lifestyles, these communities are often disproportionately affected by food deserts and food swamps.
When researchers began looking for solutions to address these issues, they turned to Black farmers. However, many of these farmers were previously forced to discard tons of food due to USDA subsidies and faced exclusion from efforts to address the food crisis. The independent Black farmers who remained viable alternatives often lacked market exposure and distribution channels, making it difficult for them to access resources and support.
This is where The Black Farmers Index steps in – as a user-friendly and accessible directory connecting the public with Black farmers directly. Their mission is not only to drive business to these growers but also to provide a platform for them to share their stories of resilience and survival in an industry that has historically discriminated against them. What began as a small list of 150 farmers has now grown to over 1,300, including crop farmers, ranchers, poultry farmers, vegetable and fruit producers, and more.
Farmers featured on The Index not only benefit from increased visibility and direct consumer-to-farmer connections but also gain access to essential resources and support. The Index operates on four key pillars: Enhanced Marketing, Data Collection & Distribution, Resource Access, and Land Advocacy. These pillars aim to promote the Black agricultural ecosystem, provide accurate information about Black growers, offer guidance on securing capital, and support Black farmers in acquiring farmland.
The Index also amplifies Black farmers through various initiatives, such as curated gift boxes, feature stories in news and media outlets, and storytelling through farm visits. They also connect farmers with business opportunities and resources and foster a strong network for collaboration among farmers. The Index partners with organizations and companies on impactful initiatives to further support Black farmers.
As a non-profit organization, The Black Farmers Index is continuously expanding its directory and raising awareness of Black farmers. They regularly host events across the country to amplify their mission and the Black farming community. In December, they hosted the Collard Green and Kale Giveaway at IGH Gardens in Long Beach, CA.
For those interested in supporting The Black Farmers Index and their important work, donations can be made on their website. The organization is also dedicated to sharing stories of Black farmers and highlighting their work, such as the innovative climate-smart agriculture practices of Black Gulf Coast farmers. Through initiatives like The Black Farmers Index, we can all play a part in uplifting and supporting the Black farming community and addressing issues of food insecurity and inequity in the agricultural sector.
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